Radiation oncologist discusses MRI-guided radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer

August 9, 2024

In June Providence Cancer Institute partnered with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) for a free virtual patient education event "MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy and Pancreatic Cancer."

Amar J. Srivastava, M.D., MPH, radiation oncologist at Providence Cancer Institute and The Oregon Clinic shared how MRI-guided radiation therapy is used to treat pancreatic cancer. Providence was the first facility in the Pacific Northwest to offer the technology – the biggest advancement in radiation oncology in over two decades.

Unlike standard radiotherapy, MRI-guided radiation therapy allows radiation oncologists to precisely target and track a tumor. Physicians see in real time if a patient’s tumor has shifted due to movement from the bowels, regular breathing or a heartbeat. The precision and tracking ability of this technology helps reduce the effects of radiation on healthy tissue.

Hear Dr. Srivastava explain the benefits of MRI-guided radiation treatments:

About Amar J. Srivastava, M.D.

Dr. Srivastava was first introduced to the field of radiation oncology when his brother-in-law was diagnosed with a glioblastoma.This experience showed Dr. Srivastava that a cancer diagnosis affects both a patient and their family and it taught him to experience cancer care from the patient's perspective.

Dr. Srivastava was trained in magnetic resonance-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) during his residency, and he's trained in MR-based adaptive radiotherapy, which is offered by The Oregon Clinic Radiation Oncology in partnership with Providence Cancer Institute. Dr. Srivastava also brings extensive training in gynecologic and genitourinary high-dose rate brachytherapy, which is used to treat cervical/endometrial cancers and prostate cancers.

Learn more about MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy at Providence Cancer Institute.

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