New radiation techniques could improve quality of life for lung cancer patients

(Lawson Health Research Institute) While palliative radiation therapy is used to ease pain in patients with advanced lung cancer, it often has adverse effects on the esophagus which leads to symptoms like heartburn and difficulty swallowing. Through the PROACTIVE clinical trial, Lawson Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Alexander Louie is testing new palliative radiation techniques to spare these effects on the esophagus and improve quality of life for lung cancer patients.