Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers — including cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum — represent a significant cancer burden in India. Dr. Jaura offers expert radiation and chemoradiation for GI cancers, working in close coordination with surgical and medical oncologists.

Types of Gastrointestinal Cancers

• Oesophageal Cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma; chemoradiation is the cornerstone of treatment
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Post-operative chemoradiation reduces recurrence in resected gastric cancers
• Colorectal Cancer: Rectal cancer is the most radiation-sensitive; neoadjuvant chemoradiation enables sphincter preservation
• Liver Cancer (HCC): SBRT is an effective option for inoperable HCC
• Pancreatic Cancer: Chemoradiation for borderline resectable cases; palliative pain relief for locally advanced disease
• Anal Canal Cancer: Definitive chemoradiation avoids colostomy in most patients

Warning Signs

• Difficulty swallowing or persistent heartburn
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Blood in stool (rectal bleeding) or dark, tarry stools
• Change in bowel habits lasting more than 4 weeks
• Jaundice — yellowing of skin or eyes (liver or pancreatic cancer)
• Abdominal bloating or palpable mass

Key Radiation Treatments

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer

Long-course chemoradiation (28 fractions with concurrent capecitabine) before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer is the standard of care. It shrinks the tumour significantly — allowing sphincter-preserving surgery in patients who would otherwise need a permanent colostomy. About 15–20% of patients achieve a complete pathological response.

Definitive Chemoradiation for Oesophageal Cancer

For inoperable oesophageal cancer or patients who prefer non-surgical treatment, definitive chemoradiation with cisplatin and 5-FU or paclitaxel can achieve durable local control and cure in a proportion of patients.

SBRT for Liver Tumours (HCC)

For early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma in patients not suitable for surgery or ablation, liver SBRT delivers high ablative doses in 3–6 sessions with excellent local control rates of 85–90% while preserving remaining liver function.

FAQs