Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Radiation Treatment

Esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatobiliary, rectal and anal cancers are often treated with a combination of radiation treatment, systemic therapy and surgery.

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Radiation treatment, along with chemotherapy, is often used prior to surgery when treating esophageal, pancreatic and rectal tumors to help shrink tumors, improve surgical outcomes, decrease surgical complications and improve local tumor control. In other cases, post-operative radiation treatment is used to help decrease the risk of tumor recurrence.

At UTMC, we utilize intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) with daily image guidance (IGRT) to treat GI cancers. These advanced techniques allow us to precisely and effectively target GI cancers while minimizing the radiation dose received by adjacent normal tissues such as the spinal cord, intestines, kidneys and liver.

UTMC radiation oncologists are also highly skilled and experienced in using stereotactic body radiation treatment (SBRT) for recurrent or metastatic GI tumors. SBRT utilizes highly-precise radiation treatment, which is delivered in one to five total sessions. SBRT minimizes the radiation dose received by adjacent normal tissues, and is therefore usually well-tolerated with very few side effects.

One Team

At UTMC, we take a team approach, with the knowledge that the best treatment plan involves an integrated approach using the experience and skills of specialists across the medical care spectrum. Our radiation oncologists collaborate with specialists in medical oncology, surgery, integrative care, pain management, physical therapy and nutrition. Your team of cancer specialists is all under one roof at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center. Our team of cancer specialists meets each week to discuss each cancer case and creates the most effective and efficient multidisciplinary care plan.

More Options

Patients at UTMC have many opportunities to enroll in new clinical trials. Your team of cancer specialists will discuss potential clinical trials available to you, and guide you in selecting the best treatment option for your personalized care.