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Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

Authors:
  • Jondavid Pollock, MD, PhD
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation is tailored for each person. This helps to deliver as much radiatoin as possible to cancer cells and decrease harm to healthy cells. Radiation therapy is often used along with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. It may be used to clear any cancer cells left after surgery. Some may need it if they cannot have surgery, but this is rare.

Types of radiation therapy used for colorectal cancer are:

External Beam Radiation

Short bursts of x-rays are fired from a machine toward the cancer. Special blocks are used to shape the radiation beam. Marks are also made on the body. These steps help to focus the beam. It will help to treat the cancer and harm as little normal tissue as possible.

Radiation of a Tumor.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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References

  • Benson AP, Venook AB, Cederquist L, et al. Colon Cancer. Version 2.2017. In: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines). NCCN 2017 Mar from NCCN website.
  • Colon cancer treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq#section/_135. Updated January 30, 2020. Accessed February 27, 2020.
  • Colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003096-pdf.pdf. Accessed February 27, 2020.
  • Colorectal cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/colorectal-cancer. Updated January 22, 2020. Accessed February 27, 2020.
  • Glynne-Jones R, Wyrwicz L, Tiret E, et al. Rectal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2017 Jul 1;28.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD
Last Updated:
2019-12-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.