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Types of radiotherapy
There are different ways of giving radiotherapy. We explain the types used for pancreatic cancer in the UK.
What's in the 'Radiotherapy' section?
Radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer is usually image guided radiotherapy (IGRT). This means you will have scans or X-rays taken while you are having radiotherapy to check that you are in exactly the right position during treatment.
The different types of radiotherapy all aim to focus the radiation on the cancer and limit the amount of radiation to surrounding organs and healthy tissues. The radiotherapy team will decide which is the best and safest treatment for you.
- Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) uses at least five radiation beams arranged at different angles so that the tumour gets the maximum amount of radiation.
- Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) is a type of IMRT that uses one continuous beam to deliver radiotherapy as it moves around your body.
- Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) delivers higher doses of radiation in a shorter time and over fewer sessions than IMRT or VMAT.
- 3D conformal radiotherapy also shapes the radiation beam to the cancer. It may be used for palliative radiotherapy.
Clinical trials for radiotherapy
Clinical trials are medical research studies that involve patients. You could ask your doctor about any clinical trials involving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy that might be suitable for you. We also have information about current clinical trials for pancreatic cancer in the UK.
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Updated January 2024
Review date January 2026