Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

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Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used with chemotherapy to make the radiation work better.

Your care team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center team recommend radiation therapy:

  • Before surgery to shrink your tumor
  • After surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells
  • To control your disease if you’re not a candidate for surgery
  • To help with the effects of your cancer, such as a blocked esophagus

A radiation oncologist decides on the type, dose, field and schedule of your treatment.

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How Radiation Therapy is Used for Esophageal Cancer Treatment

Some of the types of radiation therapy your physician may use are:

Conventional external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT)

This therapy uses a machine called a linear accelerator to send beams of high-energy X-rays at your cancer. At our state-of-the-art radiation centers, we use four-dimensional scans to plan your care and account for the movement of your tumor as you breathe. Using image guidance, we aim the beams precisely at your tumor at each treatment.  There are several forms of EBRT.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

This is a type of EBRT that focuses many high-energy beams of radiation on the tumor to destroy it.

Proton therapy

This is another type of EBRT that targets charged particles called protons at tumors to destroy cancer cells, instead of X-rays, which are used in standard treatments. Proton therapy is sometimes recommended for esophageal cancer because it may significantly limit radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue near your esophagus, such as your heart and lungs. The advantage of using protons to treat this cancer is that physicians can target high doses of radiation at the cancer with the goal of minimizing radiation to healthy tissues. This may reduce side effects.

Learn more about proton therapy at Fred Hutch.
Dr. Smith Apisarnthanarax
Dr. Smith Apisarnthanarax is the medical director of Radiation Oncology at Fred Hutch.

Why Choose Fred Hutch for Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

Radiation oncologists at Fred Hutch are experts in all forms of radiation to treat cancer, including the latest targeted therapies. Besides standard therapies, we often have clinical trials for esophageal cancer. We are able to offer therapies that aren’t offered everywhere.

Your radiation oncologist partners with the rest of your Fred Hutch care team. They work closely with your medical oncologist, surgical oncologist and pathologist. They design a treatment plan for you to target your cancer and have the least impact on healthy tissue. Your whole team helps you take the best possible care of yourself.

Learn More About Radiation Therapy at Fred Hutch

Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer FAQ

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Two main types are used for esophageal cancer:

  • External-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) using X-rays  
  • Proton therapy, a unique form of EBRT that targets protons at tumors

Combining chemotherapy and radiation (chemoradiation) is common for esophageal cancer because chemotherapy medicines can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. Our highly trained specialists have extensive experience caring for people who are going through this aggressive form of treatment.

Your care team at Fred Hutch is here to help you prevent or prepare for side effects and to relieve any side effects you have. The most important step you can take is to speak up and let your team know what you’re feeling. We’ve helped many patients and families through this process and know ways to ease your experience. The Fred Hutch Patient Education team has video resources that go over how to keep common side effects at bay.

Often, there are medicines to help, like anti-nausea drugs. Based on the side effect, there may be a range of other helpful options too, like diet changes, physical therapy and emotional and practical support. We also offer integrative medicine, including acupuncture.