{"id":29480,"date":"2025-10-27T12:11:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T16:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=29480"},"modified":"2025-10-28T09:58:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T13:58:32","slug":"imrt","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/radiation\/imrt\/","title":{"rendered":"Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What Is Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)?<\/h2>\n<p>IMRT is a precise type of radiation that can be used as part of a larger mesothelioma treatment plan to shrink tumors. During this therapy, doctors use computer-guided imaging to deliver a high dose of <a href=\"\/treatment\/radiation\/\">radiation therapy<\/a> directly to malignant mesothelioma tumors without harming healthy cells. As a result, you get the benefits of radiation with a lower risk of side effects.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Facts on Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>It\u2019s typically recommended for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of this cancer.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s a type of <a href=\"\/treatment\/radiation\/ebrt\/\">external beam radiation therapy (EBRT)<\/a>, meaning it\u2019s delivered from outside of the body.<\/li>\n<li>Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and skin irritation.<\/li>\n<li>The 5-year survival rate is 28% in patients treated with IMRT, chemotherapy, and surgery, according to Thoracic Cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>IMRT is one of many possible treatments that could be used to help you or a loved one facing <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a>. An experienced cancer doctor can determine if IMRT will be beneficial in your case.<\/p>\n<p>Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match<\/strong> to connect with specialists near you who can recommend IMRT and other mesothelioma treatment options.<\/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 IMRT Radiation Therapy Work to Treat Mesothelioma?<\/h2>\n<p>IMRT for mesothelioma takes place over the course of several sessions, starting with an initial simulation to prepare for the radiation. The next sessions are the IMRT treatments, and then follow-up monitoring.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about each step in the process below.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Attend a Simulation Session &amp; Get Imaging Scans<\/h3>\n<p>Before receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, you\u2019ll go in for a simulation session at a medical center. Here, a radiation oncologist will run through what you can expect.<\/p>\n<p>During this initial appointment, you will also undergo <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/imaging-scans\/\">imaging tests<\/a> like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to capture the tumor\u2019s size, shape, and position. These produce three-dimensional images that show exactly where the tumor is.<\/p>\n<p>You may also receive small skin marks or temporary tattoos to ensure the radiation is correctly aligned.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Receive Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma<\/h3>\n<p>After your simulation session, you\u2019ll be scheduled to get IMRT for mesothelioma. The radiation is given using a machine called a linear accelerator. You will lie on a table while the machine rotates around you, sending radiation beams from many angles.<\/p>\n<p>IMRT sessions usually occur five days per week for several weeks. Each appointment lasts 15-30 minutes.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Get Follow-Up Monitoring and Testing<\/h3>\n<p>After receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, doctors will closely monitor you to determine how well it is working. To do so, they\u2019ll use additional imaging scans to check if the cancer has stopped growing or shrunk.<\/p>\n<p>While mesothelioma IMRT sessions are painless, the treatment can cause side effects like skin irritation, vomiting, and hair loss. Doctors will help you manage any discomfort related to the side effects.<\/p>\n<p>If IMRT doesn\u2019t help shrink tumors, or your cancer comes back at some point, your doctors may recommend more radiation or other <a href=\"\/treatment\/\">mesothelioma treatments<\/a> to improve your survival.<\/p>\n<h2>When Is IMRT Radiation for Mesothelioma Used?<\/h2>\n<p>IMRT is typically used with other therapies like surgery and chemotherapy as part of <a href=\"\/treatment\/multimodal-therapy\/\">multimodal treatment plans<\/a> to destroy as much of the patient\u2019s cancer as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors often use IMRT as an <strong>adjuvant treatment<\/strong> (after surgery) to kill microscopic cancer cells left behind after a resection (tumor removal). It could also be administered as a <strong>neoadjuvant treatment<\/strong> (before surgery), shrinking tumors so doctors can remove more of the cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Adam-Bograd.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cAfter patients get a surgery called pleurectomy with decortication, we typically recommend IMRT, which maps the pleural surfaces and tries to spare the lung from any untoward harm.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> <strong>Dr. Adam J. Bograd<\/strong>, mesothelioma specialist at Swedish Cancer Institute<\/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>If you\u2019re diagnosed with late-stage mesothelioma, doctors may recommend IMRT as a form of <a href=\"\/treatment\/palliative\/\">palliative care<\/a> to relieve pain. Here, you\u2019ll receive a lower dose of IMRT to shrink tumors, ease discomfort, and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>Every diagnosis is unique, so to get a better idea if intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma could be used in your case, speak with your doctor. Even if you aren\u2019t able to receive IMRT, other therapies may allow you to live longer.<\/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> now to learn more about intensity-modulated radiotherapy for mesothelioma and other treatments. Our mesothelioma nurses can review your options and connect you with top doctors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Side Effects<\/h2>\n<p>Even though intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma is very precise, it still may damage healthy tissues in your body. This can lead to a wide range of side effects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Side effects of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Breathing issues<\/li>\n<li>Digestive problems<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Hair loss<\/li>\n<li>Nausea and vomiting<\/li>\n<li>Skin irritation<\/li>\n<li>Swallowing difficulties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>More severe side effects, known as adverse events, have also been reported. These stem from the toxicity of radiation and include kidney damage, pulmonary embolism, and radiation pneumonitis (lung inflammation).<\/p>\n<p>With that said, many side effects of IMRT <strong>can be managed with help from your doctor.<\/strong> For instance, medications can ease nausea and vomiting. If your doctor is concerned about the severity of your side effects, they may recommend stopping IMRT treatments.<\/p>\n<h2>How Effective Is IMRT Treatment?<\/h2>\n<p>Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma is often a very effective treatment option. It has been used to improve the <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/\">mesothelioma prognosis<\/a> (overall health outlook) for many patients, particularly when combined with other treatments.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s how intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma helps patients:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The 5-year <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/survival-rate\/\">survival rate<\/a> was 28% in patients treated with IMRT, chemotherapy, and surgery, according to <em>Thoracic Cancer.<\/em><\/li>\n<li>The average <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/life-expectancy\/\">life expectancy<\/a> for patients who received IMRT after surgery was between 19-28 months as noted by <em>Practical Radiation Oncology.<\/em><\/li>\n<li>The same <em>Practical Radiation Oncology<\/em> study noted that the progression-free survival (PFS) was 12-16 months in patients who received surgery and IMRT. In other words, the<strong> cancer stopped spreading for a year or more<\/strong> on average.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additionally, IMRT is often seen as superior to other types of mesothelioma radiation. For example, it allows for higher, more precise doses to be delivered when compared to three-dimensional radiation treatment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Get a Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> to learn more about radiation and other treatment options that could work to improve your overall survival time.<\/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 Accessing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>IMRT often plays an important role in many mesothelioma treatment plans, helping to shrink tumors while exposing patients\u2019 normal tissues and organs to less radiation.<\/p>\n<p>If you or someone you love is facing mesothelioma, work with Mesothelioma Hope to learn how IMRT and other treatments might allow you to live longer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our team can:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Help review mesothelioma treatments like IMRT with you<\/li>\n<li>Determine compensation options so you can afford cancer care<\/li>\n<li>Put you in touch with local mesothelioma specialists<\/li>\n<li>Support you and your loved ones through your cancer journey<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\"><strong>Use our Free Doctor Match now<\/strong><\/a> 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> to speak with our registered nurses about your mesothelioma treatment plan.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Mesothelioma IMRT FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What are the pros and cons of IMRT?<\/h3><div><p>Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma offers many benefits, with the most notable being that <strong>you may live longer.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The 5-year survival rate for patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, chemotherapy, and surgery is 28%. By contrast, the general 5-year survival rate is only 15%. It\u2019s also more precise than other types of radiotherapy, meaning the risk of side effects is lower and you can safely get a higher dose to kill more of the cancer.<\/p>\n<p>There are some disadvantages of IMRT, though. It\u2019s mainly used to treat pleural mesothelioma, so if you have another type of this cancer it may not be the best option for you. IMRT can also cause side effects and, in rare cases, fatal complications.<\/p>\n<p>Your <a href=\"\/treatment\/doctors\/\">mesothelioma doctor<\/a> can give you a better idea as to whether IMRT will be a good treatment for your case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What's the difference between VMAT and IMRT?<\/h3><div><p>Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a specific type of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, according to <em>ScienceDirect<\/em>. It provides radiation while adjusting the dose and shape of the energy beams to match your cancer tumor.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma doctors at top cancer centers continue to study if VMAT is more effective than standard IMRT. In 2025, researchers noted that VMAT was safe to use in treating pleural mesothelioma patients who received surgery, with no major unexpected side effects.<\/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> for help exploring different types of mesothelioma radiation and other treatments that might allow you to live longer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How long does IMRT treatment last?<\/h3><div><p>IMRT treatment sessions typically last 15-30 minutes. Most patients need to get IMRT mesothelioma treatments 5 days a week for several weeks. From there, your doctors will assess how your cancer responds to the radiation and recommend next steps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can IMRT cure mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma isn\u2019t a cure for this cancer. However, some patients have gone on to become long-term <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/survivors\/\">mesothelioma survivors<\/a> thanks to IMRT and other treatments.<\/p>\n<p>For example, one mesothelioma patient lived for <strong>2 and a half years<\/strong> and counting in remission thanks to IMRT and surgery, according to the Cleveland Clinic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What are the pros and cons of IMRT?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma offers many benefits, with the most notable being that &lt;strong&gt;you may live longer.&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;The 5-year survival rate for patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, chemotherapy, and surgery is 28%. By contrast, the general 5-year survival rate is only 15%. It\u2019s also more precise than other types of radiotherapy, meaning the risk of side effects is lower and you can safely get a higher dose to kill more of the cancer.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;There are some disadvantages of IMRT, though. It\u2019s mainly used to treat pleural mesothelioma, so if you have another type of this cancer it may not be the best option for you. IMRT can also cause side effects and, in rare cases, fatal complications.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Your mesothelioma doctor can give you a better idea as to whether IMRT will be a good treatment for your case.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What's the difference between VMAT and IMRT?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a specific type of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, according to &lt;em&gt;ScienceDirect&lt;\/em&gt;. It provides radiation while adjusting the dose and shape of the energy beams to match your cancer tumor.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Mesothelioma doctors at top cancer centers continue to study if VMAT is more effective than standard IMRT. In 2025, researchers noted that VMAT was safe to use in treating pleural mesothelioma patients who received surgery, with no major unexpected side effects.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Call (866) 608-8933 for help exploring different types of mesothelioma radiation and other treatments that might allow you to live longer.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"How long does IMRT treatment last?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;IMRT treatment sessions typically last 15-30 minutes. Most patients need to get IMRT mesothelioma treatments 5 days a week for several weeks. From there, your doctors will assess how your cancer responds to the radiation and recommend next steps.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Can IMRT cure mesothelioma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma isn\u2019t a cure for this cancer. However, some patients have gone on to become long-term mesothelioma survivors thanks to IMRT and other treatments.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;For example, one mesothelioma patient lived for &lt;strong&gt;2 and a half years&lt;\/strong&gt; and counting in remission thanks to IMRT and surgery, according to the Cleveland Clinic.&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 Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)? IMRT is a precise type of radiation that can be used as part of a larger mesothelioma treatment plan to shrink tumors. During this therapy, doctors use computer-guided imaging to deliver a high dose of radiation therapy directly to malignant mesothelioma tumors without harming healthy cells. As a result,&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-29480","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29480","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=29480"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29480\/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=29480"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}