Pancreatic cancer treatment with radiotherapy

During pancreatic cancer radiotherapy, high doses of radiation damage the DNA of malignant cells. That stops their growth and kills them. Neighboring healthy cells can also be affected, but most can recover. The treatment process is carefully planned. First, radiation oncologists conduct additional studies to clarify tumor localization and size. At the same time, the doctor, with special software and 3D modeling, outlines the tumor contours and determines the radiation field. Next, special ink indicates it on the skin. This marking should remain until the end of the course. The duration of the radiation therapy and each session are determined individually. The physician calculates the total dose of radiation and divides it into safe "portions. " Sessions are usually held five times a week. A two-day break allows the patient to recover a little. Before every session, the doctor helps the patient lie comfortably and fixes him. Breathing should be natural and even. Then, the medical staff moves to another room and controls the process on the monitor. The radiation beam is directed precisely according to the marking on the patient's skin. The therapy is painless and takes several minutes. It's worth mentioning that radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer is usually advised after the surgery (adjuvant radiation) to kill the remaining pieces of cancer or before pancreatic surgery (neoadjuvant procedure) to shrink the tumor.