Most people with anal cancer have a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, called chemoradiation. This combination may cure anal cancer without the need for surgery.
For anal cancer, doctors most often use intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
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IMRT uses a computer-controlled linear accelerator that moves around you to deliver X-ray radiation.
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It shapes the beams and aims them at the tumor from several angles.
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The intensity of the beams can be adjusted to lessen the dose that reaches sensitive normal tissue.
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Proton therapy for anal cancer is also an option and might be used in certain situations, such as if your anal cancer recurs after previous radiation therapy or has spread to your liver.
If your treatment involves radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist will explain the type that we recommend for you, determine the dosage and schedule for your treatments and help you prevent or manage any side effects.