Advanced Radiation Therapy for GI Cancers

Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer originates in the last 10–12 inches of the large intestine. Treatment often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

• Neoadjuvant radiation (before surgery) can shrink tumors for easier removal
• Adjuvant radiation (after surgery) helps prevent pelvic recurrence

Anal Cancer

Though less common, anal cancer affects the anal canal and is primarily treated with combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy (chemoradiation). This approach often preserves the anal sphincter, helping patients avoid surgery.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is aggressive and often diagnosed late. It begins in the pancreas behind the stomach.

• Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or for palliation in advanced disease
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is particularly effective for localized tumors

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer affects the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach.

• May be treated with chemoradiation as a non-surgical approach
• Radiation therapy helps reduce tumor burden or alleviate symptoms in advanced stages
• Respiratory gating improves targeting of tumors that move with breathing

Gastric (Stomach) Cancer

Stomach cancer begins in the lining of the stomach and can spread across the abdominal cavity.

• Radiation therapy is used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells
• May also help relieve bleeding, blockages, or pain in advanced stages

GI cancer symptoms vary by location but may include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

ARC uses precision radiation techniques tailored to the complex anatomy of the GI system:

IMRT and IGRT

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) precisely shapes the beam to match the tumor
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) uses real-time imaging to guide treatment, improving accuracy and safety

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

• Delivers high-dose radiation in a few sessions
• Ideal for pancreatic, liver, or adrenal metastases

Respiratory Gating

• Synchronizes treatment with breathing

Crucial for tumors in esophagus, liver, and pancreas that move with respiration

Treatment for GI cancers is inherently multidisciplinary, involving:

• Radiation oncologists
• Surgical oncologists
• Medical oncologists
• Gastroenterologists

Radiation therapy may be used:

• Neoadjuvantly (before surgery to shrink the tumor)
• Adjuvantly (after surgery to eliminate residual cells)
• As a primary treatment (especially for anal cancer)
• For palliation (to ease symptoms in advanced disease)

We personalize every plan to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects, supporting both the physical and emotional well-being of every patient.

Consultation

Your care at ARC begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this initial visit, you and your family will meet with one of our experienced radiation oncologists to review your diagnosis and medical history. Together, you’ll explore the most appropriate and effective radiation treatment options tailored to your individual needs. The discussion will also include treatment expectations, potential side effects, and available alternatives to ensure you are fully informed and confident in your care plan.

Simulation (Your Treatment Planning Session)

Once radiation is recommended, you’ll begin with a session called a simulation—a detailed planning appointment that lasts about 45–60 minutes.

During this session:

• We help you get into the best position for your treatment, sometimes using a custom mold to ensure you’re positioned the same way every day.
• Tiny, freckle-sized tattoos may be placed on your skin to help us align your body accurately before each treatment.
• A special imaging scan is performed to pinpoint exactly where the cancer is, so we can target it while protecting nearby healthy tissues.

The Planning process (Behind the Scenes)

After your simulation, your care team—which includes your radiation oncologist, medical physicists, and dosimetrists—will work together to create a custom radiation plan just for you. Using advanced 3D computer software, they map out how to deliver the exact amount of radiation to the right place, while minimizing exposure to healthy areas.

This planning process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, and it results in a detailed “blueprint” that guides your daily treatments.

Daily Radiation Treatments

Radiation is typically given once a day, five days a week for several weeks. Treatments are done using a machine called a linear accelerator, which delivers invisible, high-energy radiation beams to the cancer.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Each visit takes about 10–15 minutes, with most of the time spent getting you into position. The actual treatment only lasts a few minutes.
• You won’t see or feel the radiation, and there’s no pain during treatment.
• The treatment room is spacious and not claustrophobic.
• In some cases (such as prostate treatment), you may be asked to drink water before your appointment to help move the bladder away from the treatment area.
• Most patients feel well enough to drive themselves, go to work, exercise, and continue their daily routines.

Your radiation oncologist will let you know if there are any specific precautions or changes you should make during treatment.

Weekly On-Treatment Physician Review

During your treatment course, you’ll have weekly visits with your radiation oncologist. These short check-ins help us:

• Monitor how you’re feeling
• Check for any side effects
• Adjust medications if needed
• Answer any questions you have

These visits are an important part of your care and help us support you every step of the way.

Completion of Therapy and Follow-Ups

At the end of your treatment, you’ll meet with your radiation oncologist to talk about:

• What to expect in the coming weeks
• How side effects should improve
• Whether any additional treatment or follow-up is needed

Regular follow-up appointments are essential after radiation to monitor your recovery and watch for any signs of recurrence. We’ll be here to support you long after your final treatment.

If you ever have questions or need guidance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you feel informed, confident, and cared for throughout your journey.