Does radiotherapy treat pancreatic cancer?

Radiotherapy uses carefully planned beams of energy to damage cancer cells in a targeted area. For pancreatic cancer, the treatment area may include the pancreas and nearby tissues. It can be considered before surgery, after other treatment, alongside drug treatment, or when surgery is not suitable. The choice depends on whether the tumour can be removed, where it sits in relation to nearby organs and blood vessels, and your general health.

Treatment planning commonly includes scans and positioning measures so the team can aim at the tumour while limiting exposure to nearby bowel, stomach, liver and kidneys. Possible effects include tiredness, skin changes, nausea or bowel symptoms; your team can discuss ways to prevent or manage them.

Ask your cancer team whether radiotherapy has a clear role in your plan and what the intended goal is: shrinking the tumour, reducing the chance of local growth, or relieving pain or blockage. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and mention weight loss, diabetes, digestive symptoms or difficulty eating because these can affect preparation and supportive care.

Your team may discuss radiotherapy with surgery, chemotherapy or other treatments. Ask how the sequence is arranged, how often you would attend, and which symptoms should be reported during treatment. A dietitian or specialist nurse may help with nutrition, nausea and pancreatic digestive problems.

Contact your oncology team promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, develop worsening abdominal pain, have repeated vomiting, or notice new yellowing of the skin or eyes. Seek urgent medical help for severe pain, confusion, fainting, heavy bleeding or breathing difficulty. During treatment, do not wait for the next appointment if symptoms are rapidly worsening.

What is the goal of radiotherapy for my pancreatic cancer? How will it fit with surgery or drug treatment? Which nearby organs need special protection? What changes should prompt a call to the team?