Is radiotherapy useful for treating pain in mesothelioma? A phase II trial

Journal of Thoracic Oncology 2015 February 4 [Epub ahead of print] [Link]

MacLeod N, Chalmers A, O’Rourke N, Moore K, Sheridan J, McMahon L, Bray C, Stobo J, Price A, Fallon M, Laird BJ.

Abstract

Introduction

Radiotherapy is often used to treat pain in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) although there is limited evidence to support this. The aim of this trial was to assess the role of radiotherapy for the treatment of pain in MPM.

Methods

A multicentre, single arm phase II trial was conducted. Eligible patients fulfilled the following criteria: pathological or radiological diagnosis of MPM; pain secondary to MPM; radiotherapy indicated for pain control; over 18 years of age. Patients had assessments of pain and other symptoms at baseline then received 20Gy in 5 daily fractions. Key follow up points were 5 and 12 weeks post treatment. The primary endpoint measure was assessment of pain at the site of radiotherapy at 5 weeks. Secondary endpoints included effects on quality of life, breathlessness, fatigue, mood, toxicity and the radiological response.

Results

Forty patients were recruited from three UK oncology centres. Fourteen patients had a clinically meaningful improvement in their pain 5 weeks post radiotherapy (intention to treat), with 5 patients having a complete improvement. Based on a complete case analysis of the 30 patients assessable at week 5, 47% (CI 28.3-65.7) of patients alive at week 5 had an improvement in their pain. There was no improvement in other key symptoms or quality of life.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy for pain control in MPM is an effective treatment in a proportion of patients. Future studies examining differing radiotherapy regimens with a view to improving response rates are warranted.