Toxicity management for acute radiation esophagitis

Authored by Nina Sanford, published on 2026-04-17 07:52:24.0

How Dr. Nina Sanford, Associate Professor and Chief of Gastrointestinal Radiation at UT Southwestern manages acute radiation esophagitis after radiation therapy (RT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Originally posted on YouTube 'Managing Toxicity from Radiotherapy to Upper GI Cancers (esophagus, pancreas, liver)' by Dr. Sanford. 

  1. Acute Radiation Esophagitis
    • Patient on RT or ≤3 weeks after RT start
      • Dysphagia / Odynophagia / Retrosternal pain?
        • YES
          • Start PPI (pantoprazole 40 mg daily)
            • Soft, non-acidic diet
              • Add mucosal coating:
    • During SBRT → SBRT
      • Nausea/vomiting
        • Continue
          • During SBRT →
          • Add prochlor-prepazine
tosprivacyRadiation Therapy-Related Toxicity: EsophagusOesophagitis management from https://www.eviq.org.au/