Radiation involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells remaining after surgery, to shrink tumors before surgery, or to relieve symptoms.

Duke is a national leader in preoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink gastrointestinal tumors prior to surgery to improve outcomes.

Radiation therapy may be administered externally using a machine, or internally by implanting wires, seeds, or wafers that emit radiation inside the body directly near tumors. The method of administration depends on the location and size of the tumors.

Novel radiation therapies include intra-operative radiation targeted directly at the tumor during surgery, hyperthermic radiation, and transrectal ultrasound.

Appointments

Learn how to make an appointment at the Duke Cancer Institute.