Potential role of intensity-modulated radiotherapy demonstrated in new case reports

In a case report published recently in Future Oncology a group of researchers from the Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico-Vittorio Emaneule di Catania (Catania, Italy) report their first experience of utilizing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Due to the irregular shape of the tumors and its tendency to local relapse, MPM is very difficult to treat. In this study the researchers demonstrate that IMRT may be a feasible treatment option for MPM patients. Currently the use of IMRT is restricted predominately to clinical trials and therefore the researchers believe more studies are required to validate the use of IMRT for MPM patients.

The researchers also published a second case report in Future Oncology, in which they describe the role of IMRT in a case of pediatric pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma.  For synovial sarcoma, surgery is the preferred treatment choice and radiotherapy is regarded as controversial. The researchers believe that their case report supports the growing interest in the potential benefits of utilizing IMRT in various types of thoracic tumors.

The two case reports are part of a supplement issue of Future Oncology that is scheduled to be released at the end of 2016.

Sources: Spatola C, Militello C, Tocco A et al. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for relapsed malignant pleural mesothelioma. Future Oncology. DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0330 (2016) [Epub ahead of print]; Spatola C, Tocco A , Milazzotto R et al.  Role, timing and technique of radiotherapy in pediatric pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma. Future Oncology. DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0331 (2016) [Epub ahead of print]; PR Web press release