While ionizing radiotherapy (RT) can provide durable local control, the relative radiosensitivity of surrounding organs such as the lungs and heart and the distributed nature of the pleura limit the ability to safely deliver RT for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Recent advances in the technological sophistication of RT planning and delivery devices have resulted in increased spatial control of irradiation dose that has extended the palliative and definitive applications of RT for patients with MPM. This review will outline the logistical, mechanistic and clinical basics of RT and the clinical trials supporting the use of RT in the multidisciplinary care of patients with MPM.
Keywords: Mesothelioma; adjuvant and neoadjuvant hemithoracic radiotherapies; ionizing radiotherapy (ionizing RT); normal tissue radiotolerance; palliative radiotherapy (palliative RT); surgical cytoreduction.