{"id":29478,"date":"2025-10-24T16:21:43","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T20:21:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=29478"},"modified":"2025-10-29T16:24:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T20:24:12","slug":"ebrt","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/radiation\/ebrt\/","title":{"rendered":"External Beam Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What Is External Beam Radiation Therapy?<\/h2>\n<p>External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a form of <a href=\"\/treatment\/radiation\/\">radiation therapy<\/a> that uses X-rays to shrink mesothelioma tumors. It\u2019s the most commonly used type of radiation for mesothelioma, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).<\/p>\n<p>Doctors use EBRT to deliver a precise radiation dose to the mesothelioma tumor through a machine. The radiation treats the cancer while limiting the harm done to healthy tissues in the body.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Facts on External Beam Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Up to 99% of mesothelioma patients treated with radiation receive EBRT<\/li>\n<li>Typically used to treat pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lung lining<\/li>\n<li>There are multiple types, including proton therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)<\/li>\n<li>Potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, headache, hair loss, and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your health care team may recommend EBRT as part of a larger mesothelioma treatment plan, depending on the specifics of your diagnosis, like your general health, cancer stage, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match<\/strong> to find specialists who can recommend EBRT and other treatments if you\u2019re facing mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>How Does External Beam Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma Work?<\/h2>\n<p>EBRT for mesothelioma uses a machine to aim radiation beams at cancer tumors to shrink them. The process is generally painless, but does involve multiple visits to your mesothelioma cancer center.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about what you can expect when receiving external beam radiation therapy for <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> below.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Attend Simulation Session and Get Imaging Scans<\/h3>\n<p>If your radiation oncologist (cancer doctor) believes EBRT will help you, they\u2019ll recommend that you attend a simulation session. This will help you prepare for actually receiving the radiation.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors will use imaging tests such as CT, PET, or MRI scans to identify exactly where the radiation should be aimed. The simulation and imaging session can take up to 2 hours.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Receive External Beam Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma<\/h3>\n<p>During your radiation appointment, you\u2019ll lie on a treatment table while a machine called a linear accelerator delivers radiation from multiple angles. The radiation session is painless and usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll likely need to get multiple sessions of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma. Most courses of EBRT take place 5 days a week for several weeks.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Undergo Follow-Up Monitoring and Tests<\/h3>\n<p>Your doctors will want to know how your mesothelioma tumors have responded to EBRT, so they\u2019ll take follow-up scans. If the cancer starts to grow back (recur), they may suggest more EBRT or different <a href=\"\/treatment\/\">mesothelioma treatments<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You may also experience side effects as a result of EBRT for mesothelioma, such as nausea, headaches, and appetite loss. Your doctor can help you manage these side effects through medication or other palliative care options.<\/p>\n<h2>When Is External Beam Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma Used?<\/h2>\n<p>Doctors typically use EBRT as part of a <a href=\"\/treatment\/multimodal-therapy\/\">multimodal treatment<\/a> plan. This means it\u2019s provided in tandem with other major treatment options like chemotherapy and surgery to give you the best chance of living longer.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cA multidisciplinary approach \u2014 combining surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, and supportive care \u2014 remains the most effective strategy.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2014 Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, mesothelioma specialist at University of Miami Health System<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Your doctor may use EBRT as a <strong>neoadjuvant treatment<\/strong>, meaning it\u2019s given before surgery to help shrink mesothelioma tumors so they can be more easily removed. EBRT may also be provided during surgery to kill microscopic cancer cells.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, a lower dose of EBRT may be recommended as a type of <a href=\"\/treatment\/palliative\/\">palliative care<\/a>. When used in this way, doctors want to shrink tumors so you experience fewer symptoms to improve your overall quality of life.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> to get help from our mesothelioma nurses accessing radiation treatments and other therapies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Types of EBRT for Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>External beam radiation therapy is the umbrella term for treatments that direct beams of radiation from outside the body. There are a few specific types of EBRT that could be used to help you live longer with mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Types of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/radiation\/imrt\/\"><strong>Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)<\/strong><\/a> uses computer-controlled imaging to safely deliver higher doses of radiation, which is especially valuable when tumors are close to the heart, spine, or esophagus.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/radiation\/proton\/\"><strong>Proton therapy<\/strong><\/a> uses a type of energy beam called protons, rather than X-rays, to kill tumors while causing less harm to healthy tissues.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/treatment\/radiation\/three-dimensional-radiation\/\"><strong>Three\u2011dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D\u2011CRT)<\/strong><\/a> allows doctors to precisely deliver radiation using detailed imaging scans. However, IMRT is often considered superior to 3D-CRT, according to the National Cancer Institute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are also additional types like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Your doctor can determine which type of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma will work best in your case.<\/p>\n<h2>External Beam Radiation Therapy Side Effects<\/h2>\n<p>Like all types of radiation therapy, EBRT comes with a risk of <a href=\"\/treatment\/side-effects\/\">treatment-related side effects<\/a>. Which side effects you may experience and how severe they will be depend on your dosage, how your body tolerates radiation, and more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common side effects of EBRT include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Appetite loss<\/li>\n<li>Difficulty swallowing<\/li>\n<li>Hair loss<\/li>\n<li>Headaches<\/li>\n<li>Inflammation at the treatment site<\/li>\n<li>Nausea<\/li>\n<li>Shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Skin irritation<\/li>\n<li>Vomiting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>Most side effects of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma improve within a few weeks. Your care team can recommend topical creams, dietary adjustments, or medications to manage side effects and help you feel better.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, you could develop rarer and more serious side effects, such as pneumonitis (lung inflammation) and nerve damage, which are also known as toxicities. If the side effects become too severe, your doctors may recommend stopping EBRT.<\/p>\n<h2>How Effective Is External Beam Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma?<\/h2>\n<p>EBRT is often an effective way to improve your <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/\">mesothelioma prognosis<\/a> (health outlook), particularly when used as part of a broader treatment plan. Your doctor can use different types of EBRT to shrink your cancer tumors and boost your quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a mesothelioma patient treated with lung-removal surgery called extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy, and external radiation achieved remission for <strong>2 and a half years<\/strong> according to a Cleveland Clinic report.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors will work to personalize external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma and other treatments to help you as best they can.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/dr-raja-flores.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cYou have to tailor your treatment \u2014 the surgical procedure, the chemotherapy, the radiation \u2014 to the particular patient in front of you. We&#8217;re in the days of personalized medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Raja Flores, mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>At this time, EBRT and other forms of mesothelioma radiation are mainly used to treat pleural mesothelioma (which forms in the lung lining), particularly when it\u2019s in an early stage. If you have another type, like peritoneal mesothelioma (which forms in the abdominal lining), or late-stage cancer, EBRT may not be beneficial. A doctor can give you a better idea of what will work best for you.<\/p>\n<p>Get our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> to see how radiation and other treatments could help you or someone you love.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Get Help Receiving Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy<\/h2>\n<p>After a cancer diagnosis, it\u2019s important to explore all your treatment options, including external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma. Depending on your situation, EBRT could help shrink tumors, improve your survival time, and allow you to have a better quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope can help you or someone you love get EBRT and other treatments following a cancer diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Work with us to:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Find radiation oncologists and other cancer doctors near you<\/li>\n<li>Get financial assistance to cover any medical expenses<\/li>\n<li>Receive the support you deserve while navigating life with cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Use our <a href=\"\/get-matched\/\"><strong>Free Doctor Match<\/strong><\/a> to connect with local cancer specialists or call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> now to speak with our mesothelioma nurses.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">External Beam Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the radiation treatment for mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>External beam radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to shrink cancer tumors, is the most common type of radiotherapy for mesothelioma. As many as 99% of mesothelioma patients treated with radiation will receive some form of EBRT.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors use different types of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma depending on the needs of each patient. Many patients receive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to get a precise dose of radiation to their tumor.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What\u2019s the difference between brachytherapy vs. external beam radiation?<\/h3><div><p>External beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma allows doctors to deliver radiotherapy through the skin using a machine. It\u2019s the main way that radiation is provided to mesothelioma patients.<\/p>\n<p>Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive material or device inside your mesothelioma tumor. It\u2019s not often used for mesothelioma and is typically only available through <a href=\"\/treatment\/clinical-trials\/\">clinical trials<\/a>, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).<\/p>\n<p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> to learn more about the different types of mesothelioma radiation and to see which ones could potentially help you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What are the disadvantages of external beam radiation therapy?<\/h3><div><p>A big disadvantage of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma is that it can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and more.<\/p>\n<p>You may develop EBRT side effects since the treatment may harm healthy cells, too. If the side effects become too great for you to bear, your doctor may suggest stopping the treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Another disadvantage is that EBRT may not be available in your case. Typically, EBRT is recommended for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who are in an early stage. It\u2019s typically not used for patients with advanced cancer or other types of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>However, even if you can\u2019t get EBRT, <a href=\"\/treatment\/doctors\/\">mesothelioma specialists<\/a> can recommend other options like surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to help you as best they can. EBRT may or may not be seen as necessary depending on your diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What is the radiation treatment for mesothelioma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;External beam radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to shrink cancer tumors, is the most common type of radiotherapy for mesothelioma. As many as 99% of mesothelioma patients treated with radiation will receive some form of EBRT.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Doctors use different types of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma depending on the needs of each patient. Many patients receive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to get a precise dose of radiation to their tumor.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What\u2019s the difference between brachytherapy vs. external beam radiation?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;External beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma allows doctors to deliver radiotherapy through the skin using a machine. It\u2019s the main way that radiation is provided to mesothelioma patients.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive material or device inside your mesothelioma tumor. It\u2019s not often used for mesothelioma and is typically only available through clinical trials, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Call (866) 608-8933 to learn more about the different types of mesothelioma radiation and to see which ones could potentially help you.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What are the disadvantages of external beam radiation therapy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;A big disadvantage of external beam radiation therapy for mesothelioma is that it can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and more.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;You may develop EBRT side effects since the treatment may harm healthy cells, too. If the side effects become too great for you to bear, your doctor may suggest stopping the treatment.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Another disadvantage is that EBRT may not be available in your case. Typically, EBRT is recommended for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who are in an early stage. It\u2019s typically not used for patients with advanced cancer or other types of mesothelioma.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;However, even if you can\u2019t get EBRT, mesothelioma specialists can recommend other options like surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to help you as best they can. EBRT may or may not be seen as necessary depending on your diagnosis.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}}]}<\/script><style type=\"text\/css\">.faq-wrap{background:#E4F4F6;padding:20px 15px;margin:40px -15px}.faq-wrap:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq{background:#fff;padding:15px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0px 20px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.03);margin:15px 0 0 0}.faq-wrap .faq:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap .faq .faq-heading{color:#100134;font-size:21px;margin-bottom:15px}.faq-wrap .faq p{margin-bottom:20px;line-height:1.5}.faq-wrap .faq p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more{color:#248AFF;display:block;padding-right:17px;text-align:right;position:relative;line-height:1}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited{color:#248AFF}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited:hover,.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:hover{color:#34d}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:after{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e905\";position:absolute;right:0;top:3px}h2.faq-wrap-heading{margin-bottom:25px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.faq-wrap{padding:25px 15px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.faq-wrap{border-radius:10px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:25px}.faq-wrap .faq{padding:25px}.faq-heading{font-size:24px}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is External Beam Radiation Therapy? External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a form of radiation therapy that uses X-rays to shrink mesothelioma tumors. It\u2019s the most commonly used type of radiation for mesothelioma, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Doctors use EBRT to deliver a precise radiation dose to the mesothelioma tumor through&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"parent":132,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-29478","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29478","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29478"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29478\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}