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An organ located in the abdomen, the pancreas aids in digestion and produces hormones that help manage blood sugar. In most cases, pancreatic cancer starts in cells that help break down food, known as exocrine cells. Today, options for treating pancreatic cancer, including radiation therapy, continue to advance. Throughout your cancer journey—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship—your medical care team is with you every step of the way.

Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common type of cancer worldwide.

Globally, pancreatic cancer is more common in men than women.

Smoking and health history can affect the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer

Your treatment plan

There are different treatment options for pancreatic cancer. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including the type, location, and size of the tumor as well as your age and general health.

Many patients are treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Pancreatic cancer

Radiation therapy treatment techniques

There are different types of radiation therapy—sometimes called radiotherapy or “RT”—for pancreatic cancer, including:

Pancreatic cancer

Possible side effects

Body copy: Side effects are cumulative, which means they can develop over several weeks or months as the body responds to radiation. You can ask your radiation oncologist what you might expect from your specific treatment. Every patient’s treatment is different, but these are some common side effects of pancreatic cancer radiation therapy:

  • Skin reaction where the radiation is given
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
Pancreatic cancer

Your EBRT treatment journey

When it comes to preparing for your pancreatic cancer treatment, knowledge is power. That includes knowing what to expect during your treatment journey so you can move forward one informed and empowered step at a time. Here is a brief outline of what you can expect during external beam radiation treatment. The details of some steps may differ, depending on your particular case.

Step 1: Consultation

First, you'll meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss what type of radiation treatment options are recommended for your specific case, and make a decision together about your treatment.

Step 2: Simulation

As part of your treatment planning, the exact area of the tumor must first be determined. This is usually done using a CT scan, short for computed tomography, providing a detailed 3-D image of the treatment area using x-rays. Sometimes temporary skin marks or even tiny tattoos (about the size of a freckle) are made on your body to help the radiation therapist position you correctly each day for treatment. You may be asked to perform a breath hold technique during simulation.

Step 3: Treatment planning

After simulation is complete, your treatment team will develop your personalized treatment plan, taking into account the location and type of cancer you have, your medical history, lab tests, and other factors—all to determine your best course of treatment. Typical treatment with radiation therapy will require you to come for treatment five days a week.

Step 4: Positioning for treatment

On your treatment days, your radiation therapist will position you on the radiation machine’s treatment couch with the help of a set of lasers for alignment.

Step 5: Start of treatment

The radiation is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator, or linac. Some linacs have a visible gantry, which will move around you, and other linacs have an enclosed gantry, which you will not see move, to deliver the radiation. You won’t see, hear, feel or smell the beam, in most cases. Treatment sessions usually take approximately 15 minutes. Your first treatment session may be a little longer.

Step 6: Post-treatment and follow-up care

Every patient is different, but most patients can continue daily activities during treatment, despite side effects such as fatigue. After your final treatment, your radiation oncologist will schedule periodic follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and the results of your treatment.

Pancreatic cancer

Helpful resources for pancreatic cancer

Questions to ask

Some important things you may want to find out from your doctor before undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

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