Consensus Statement on Proton Therapy in Mesothelioma

Radiation therapy for mesothelioma remains challenging, as normal tissue toxicity limits the amount of radiation that can be safely delivered to the pleural surfaces, especially radiation dose to the contralateral lung. The physical properties of proton therapy result in better sparing of normal tissues when treating the pleura, both in the postpneumonectomy setting and the lung-intact setting. Compared with photon radiation, there are dramatic reductions in dose to the contralateral lung, heart, liver, kidneys, and stomach. However, the tissue heterogeneity in the thorax, organ motion, and potential for changing anatomy during the treatment course all present challenges to optimal irradiation with protons.

The clinical data underlying proton therapy in mesothelioma are reviewed here, including indications, advantages, and limitations.

The Particle Therapy Cooperative Group Thoracic Subcommittee task group provides specific guidelines for the use of proton therapy for mesothelioma.

This consensus report can be used to guide clinical practice, insurance approval, and future research.