Treatment Options For Pancreatic Cancer

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and stop the growing process. The rays are aimed at the pancreas from various angles from an external machine. Radiation is often used following surgery to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer returning. It is also used as an alternative to surgery for those who cannot tolerate surgery as a treatment. Radiation may also be used before surgery if the tumor is too large to remove with surgery alone, as it can shrink the tumor beforehand. When pancreatic cancer has spread, radiation is often paired with chemotherapy (both in high doses) as treatment.

Learn about chemotherapy and pancreatic cancer next.