Radiation therapy uses a beam of high-energy rays (or particles) to kill cancer cells.

In external-beam radiation therapy, a machine delivers a beam of radiation at a specific part of the body. This is the type of radiation used most often for most types of GI cancers. It is like having a regular x-ray except it takes longer and uses much higher amounts of radiation. Patients typically have treatments for 5 days a week for several weeks.

Unfortunately, radiation therapy is not very effective against most GI carcinoid tumors. It is used mainly to treat pain from cancers that have spread to the bones or other parts of the body. Although surgery is the first option for most carcinoid cancers, radiation therapy may be an option for those who can't have surgery.

The main side effects of GI radiation therapy are tiredness (fatigue), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild, sunburn-like skin changes.

For more information on radiation therapy, see the American Cancer Society document, Understanding Radiation Therapy: A Guide for Patients and Families.

Last Medical Review: 06/19/2009
Last Revised: 06/19/2009