Dr. Crane Discusses Radiation in Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Christopher Crane, MD, vice chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the role of radiation in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Many tumors can be cured with high enough doses of radiation, says Crane, but the GI tract is very sensitive to radiation therapy.

Novel technologies have allowed radiation oncologists to administer higher doses of radiation in GI malignancies, particularly pancreatic cancer. Crane adds that technology such as image guidance, has helped with the challenge of internal organ motion.