Radiation therapy is the use of penetrating beams of high-energy
waves or streams of particles called radiation to treat disease.
Radiation therapy destroys the ability of cancer cells to grow
and divide. This treatment may be used for pancreatic cancer .
It is usually combined with other methods, such as surgery
and/or chemotherapy . Radiation therapy may be used before
surgery. Once surgery is performed, radiation has to be delayed
so that it does not interfere with wound healing. Radiation plus
chemotherapy may be used when pancreatic cancer is inoperable.
Radiation therapy alone may also help relieve abdominal and back
pain symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer. Types of
Radiation Therapy Used for Pancreatic Cancer External radiation
therapy is the type most often used to treat pancreatic cancer.
With this form of radiation, rays are directed at the tumor from
outside the body. Treatments are usually given five days a week,
for about five minutes per session, over the course of weeks or
months. Intra