Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to shrink to slow the growth of the tumor.  A large machine directs the radiation through the abdomen to the tumor.  Radiation therapy is a local therapy, so the goal is for only cancer cells in the treated area to be affected.  Although there is potential for the x-rays to affect surrounding organs, the risks are low.  Radiation therapy may be given alone, or in combination with chemotherapy.  The chemotherapy drugs most commonly used in conjunction with radiation therapy are fluorouracil (5-FU) and gemcitabine (Gemzar®).

Doctors may use radiation therapy to relieve pain caused by cancer, to shrink the tumor before surgery, or to destroy potential cancer cells that may remain in the area after surgery.  Radiation therapy is usually given five days per week, for two to five weeks.  Patients go to the hospital or a clinic for radiation therapy, but it is generally an outpatient treatment (patients do not have to stay overnight in the hospital).