GIT Tumors

Esophageal cancer

is treated by various methods (“modalities”), the choice and order of which has fixed patterns. The treatment process is always determined by a joint consultation between the surgeon and the oncologist. The anatomic situation of the esophagus, between two lungs and close to the heart, requires application to a geometrically complex area in the midst of organs to which irradiation needs to be minimized. This is why the use of proton radiotherapy is beneficial. Radiotherapy of esophageal tumors is used:

• preoperatively,
• when it is irradiated without the prospect of surgery, in the event of a tumor in the cervical section of the esophagus, or if for any reason surgery is not feasible,
• postoperative radiotherapy is rarely indicated, usually when the tumor resection has been performed and the surgical finding was more extensive than originally expected.

Pancreatic cancer

is treated by various methods (“modalities”), the choice and order of which has fixed patterns. Surgery has always had a fundamental role in the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma – total or partial pancreatectomy – including resection of the duodenum and adjustment of the course of the small intestine. If surgery cannot be performed (for any reason), pancreatic cancer is generally treated with chemotherapy, which may be followed by radiotherapy. Irradiation has significance only in the context of chemotherapy, ie. following chemotherapy. Successful resection is followed by postoperative chemotherapy, also supplemented by irradiation. Postoperative irradiation has a special pattern.

Radiotherapy of anal tumors

is the priority treatment, unless the patient chooses a surgical alternative. Radiotherapy of anal tumors is a very demanding treatment. Its integral part is the simultaneous administration of standard chemotherapy. It is accompanied by a number of side effects in the skin, mucous membranes, urogenital tract and blood count. For this reason, proton radiotherapy is preferred, as it has a more favorable dose distribution than conventional photon radiotherapy and the side effects can be mitigated (of course not eliminated).