Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Michael Jubinville, MPH

Radiation therapy is a method used to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery. It can also be used to ease problems from cancer that has spread and help you live longer.

Radiation therapy is most often used with chemotherapy (called chemoradiation).

This type of cancer is treated by a machine outside the body. Short bursts are aimed at the cancer. The beam can send as much radiation to the site as possible.

The types used are:

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

Some problems are:

Dry, irritated skin
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Feeling tired because of anemia

Talk to your healthcare team as soon as these problems happen. There are ways to treat them. The sooner it’s done, the better control you will have over them. Sometimes, the radiation dose can be changed.

References:

De La Cruz MD, Young AP, et al. Diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer. Am Fam Physician. 2014;89(8):626-632.

Management of pancreatic cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dyname.... Accessed October 3, 2020.

Radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html. Accessed October 3, 2020.

Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/patient/pancreatic-treatment-pdq#section/_162. Accessed October 3, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 12/29/2020

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.