Consensus Statement on Proton Therapy in Mesothelioma

Abstract Purpose Radiation therapy for mesothelioma remains challenging, as normal tissue toxicity limits the amount of radiation that can be safely delivered to pleural surfaces, especially dose contralateral lung. The physical properties proton result in better sparing tissues when treating pleura, both postpneumonectomy setting and lung-intact setting. Compared with photon radiation, there are dramatic reductions lung, heart, liver, kidneys, stomach. However, heterogeneity thorax, organ motion, potential changing anatomy during treatment course all present challenges optimal irradiation protons. Methods clinical data underlying reviewed here, including indications, advantages, limitations. Results Particle Therapy Cooperative Group Thoracic Subcommittee task group provides specific guidelines use mesothelioma. Conclusions This consensus report used guide practice, insurance approval, future research.