Esophageal Cancer

Overview

Delivering radiation safely to the esophagus can be difficult because the esophagus lies near the heart, lungs, and spinal cord. The goal is to deliver a potent dose of radiation without damaging those vital structures.

Proton therapy delivers high doses of radiation specifically to the tumor and stops at a programmed depth, so normal organs and tissue behind the tumor receive no radiation.

How it works

Protons stop after reaching the tumor (“Bragg peak”), so there is virtually no exit dose. This minimizes radiation to surrounding healthy tissue and critical organs.

Esophageal Cancer Facts

Esophageal cancer accounts for about 1% of U.S. cancers each year and is far more common in men than women.

Only about 20% of patients survive five years after diagnosis, making precise, tissue-sparing treatment essential.

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