How Long Does Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer Typically Take?

Radiation therapy for esophageal cancer usually takes a minimum of five weeks. There are generally two scenarios in which radiation is used: as an adjuvant treatment following surgery or as the primary treatment method, known as radical radiation therapy.

Adjuvant radiation therapy is determined based on the specifics of the surgical procedure. Typically, patients undergo 25 sessions, with five treatments per week, meaning the entire course of radiation lasts about five weeks. On the other hand, radical radiation therapy involves a more intensive regimen, often requiring 30 to 33 sessions, also conducted five days a week. As a result, this approach can take between six to seven weeks to complete.

After the completion of radiation therapy, patients undergo a comprehensive follow-up evaluation, which often includes an endoscopic examination. This allows doctors to assess whether any cancerous tissue remains and determine the size of any residual tumor. Depending on the findings, additional radiation sessions may be recommended, potentially extending the overall treatment timeline by one or two extra sessions.

Moreover, some patients may experience significant side effects during the treatment, which can interfere with the scheduled radiation plan. In such cases, therapy may need to be paused temporarily, further prolonging the overall duration of the treatment process. Managing side effects becomes a critical part of the care plan to ensure the patient can tolerate and complete the full course of radiation effectively.