Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer at Columbia

The Pancreas Center at Columbia offers the latest and most effective radiation strategies for treating pancreatic cancer. Therapies like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and adaptive radiation therapy (ART) deliver the maximum dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding tissue.

Radiation Therapy uses special technology to deliver a very precise dose of radiation to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
Radiation therapy can be used alone or with other treatments, like chemotherapy or surgery.
Radiation therapy is non-invasive and pain-free, but because some radiation passes through healthy tissue, treatment may cause some mild side effects.

For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to refer a patient, please contact the Pancreas Center at Columbia at (212) 305-9467 or complete our online appointment request form.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses cutting-edge technology to deliver controlled doses of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery.

Learn More About Radiation Therapy

Who We Treat

We treat patients with pancreatic cancer who:

Are about to have surgery. Radiation therapy can shrink tumors before surgery to make them easier to remove.
Have already had surgery. Radiation therapy can destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Need relief from pain and other symptoms. Radiation therapy can shrink tumors that are pressing against organs to reduce pain and improve function.
Want to improve their quality of life. Radiation therapy can slow the growth of cancer in advanced stages.

Treatments We Offer

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) - uses advanced imaging technologies and a sophisticated computer guidance system to deliver a high dose of radiation to a specific target in the body over just a few sessions.
Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) - tracks day-to-day changes to your anatomy to allow for more precise delivery of radiation to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.

What Is CyberKnife?

While researching treatment options for your pancreatic cancer, you may have heard about CyberKnife. CyberKnife is a brand name for devices that deliver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with diseases like pancreatic cancer. While CyberKnife is well-known and aggressively marketed, it is just one of several devices used to deliver targeted high-intensity radiation doses.

Columbia radiation oncologists work with different SBRT devices from Varian, the largest manufacturer of radiation oncology equipment in the field. Varian’s top-of-the-line Edge SBRT devices employ several technological innovations that we feel offer the best results for our patients.

Varian Vs. CyberKnife: Which Is More Effective?

When it comes to effective and accurate radiation therapy, devices like Varian Edge and CyberKnife deliver remarkably similar results. What matters most is the skill of the radiation oncology team administering your treatment. At Columbia, our specialists have experience treating even the most complex tumors while minimizing side effects and helping you stay at your best during your treatment journey.

Program Highlights

A Leading Center for Pancreas Cancer Treatment

Because of the complexities of providing accurate and effective radiation treatments, working with an experienced team at a specialized cancer treatment center is essential. The Pancreas Center at Columbia is a leading multidisciplinary program for pancreatic cancer, with a history of providing the highest level of care and support for even the sickest patients.

Carefully Coordinated Care

Our seamless collaboration between radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and surgeons is key to delivering the most effective care. Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease that often requires combining different strategies, and this integrated approach works best.

Personalized Treatment Based on Your Needs

Our program works with you to design a treatment plan that fits your life. Many of our patients are able to receive treatment while working and minimizing disruption to their schedules. And our treatments are designed to minimize impact on healthy tissue, reducing side effects.

Our Team

David P. Horowitz, MD
Radiation Oncology

Our Location

CUIMC/Presbyterian Hospital and Vanderbilt Clinic
622 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
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Make an Appointment

For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to refer a patient, please contact the Pancreas Center at Columbia at (212) 305-9467 or complete our online appointment request form. We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage.

Resources & More

Stories & Perspectives

State of the Union: Pancreatic Care in 2024

An interview with John Chabot, MD, Chief of the Division of GI/Endocrine Surgery, Executive Director of the Pancreas Center.

Vaccine for Pancreatic Cancer Enters Phase II of Clinical Trial: Here’s What to Know

A groundbreaking Phase II clinical trial for a mRNA neoantigen vaccine for pancreatic cancer is underway. With a mortality rate of nearly 90 percent, this could be a transformative development in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Dr. John Chabot shares what you need to know.

Using AI for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer? Five Questions with Dr. John Chabot

Study of AI’s ability to diagnose pancreatic cancer: John A. Chabot, MD, Executive Director of The Pancreas Center speaks about this study and where we go now.