Our partner hospitals have state-of-the-art Radiotherapy equipment including a Digital High Energy Linear Accelerator with 3-D treatment and Stereotactic Radiotherapy, Brachytherapy, Linear Accelerator with sophisticated Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) which allows very precise radiation dose delivery to the tumour area at the same time protecting nearby normal/critical organs.
Our latest linear accelerator the TRUEBEAM system version 2.7 delivers precise dosage quickly and is designed to treat cancer wherever it’s found in the body and comes with many special features and tools for advanced image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) capabilities like Respiration-synchronized MV/kV radiographs, 4D CBCT, Iterative CBCT, Triggered Imaging and more.
This advanced infrastructure allows us to treat a broad range of cancer cases. It comes with sub- millimetre accuracy for increased conformity and with built in patient safety features for clinicians to navigate the complexities of cancer care with more confidence. It also masters newer techniques like Frameless Cranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy, Body Stereotactic Radiotherapy for cancers of the Breast, Lung, Liver, Pancreas, and Prostate and Oligometastatic disease.
Radiation Oncology Therapy
Radiation oncology or radiotherapy is one of the important modalities of cancer treatment. This treatment modality uses the controlled use of powerful radiation beams to kill cancer cells or relieve cancer-related symptoms.
It is a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment method that has many advantages for patients:
- Shorter treatment duration
- Reduced damage to surrounding tissue due to high-precision radiation delivery and image guidance
- Radiotherapy can be received on an outpatient basis
- Because there is no incision, patients do not have to worry about blood loss, longer recovery periods, or risk of infection.
- Because treatment-related complications are fewer, radiation therapy helps patients experience a better quality of life.
A wide variety of cancers can be treated with radiation therapy. In most cases, radiation therapy is combined with surgery or chemotherapy to obtain a better quality clinical result.
Recent advances in radiation oncology have allowed oncologists to successfully treat various types of cancer without serious complications. Today, with advanced technology, we can successfully manage tumors with fewer radiotherapy sessions, reduce the radiation dose, ensure the preservation of healthy tissue, etc. Ushta Medicare has always been an early adopter of various technologies that were not only advanced but also new to India.
Radiation Therapy at Ushta Medicare
At Ushta Medicare, we house cutting-edge technologies that help our specialists achieve the best clinical results.
1. Cyber Blade
CyberKnife is the world’s first whole body robotic radiosurgery system that can be used to treat multiple cancerous and non-cancerous conditions, especially prostate cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, spinal cancer, trigeminal neuralgia, etc. Radiation is delivered from multiple angles with precision to kill cancer cells without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. Through its real-time imaging feature, CyberKnife can track small changes in tumor location, caused by breathing or other body movements, and adjust radiation output accordingly.
2. Tomotherapy H
H-Tomotherapy is an advanced image-guided radiation delivery system. Combines the advantages of computed tomography (CT) and linear accelerator. Real-time image guidance helps clinicians to accurately plan treatment and accurately deliver high doses of radiation to the target area. Tomotherapy is capable of delivering up to 1000 radiation beams traveling in a straight or tangent line from different directions and successfully destroys cancer cells. It is a non-invasive procedure, so there is no blood loss, long hospital stays, or long healing times. Patients can continue with their daily activities while undergoing treatment.
3.TrueBeam
The TrueBeam is another unique radiation therapy system, which precisely delivers radiation to kill cancer cells throughout the body while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. TrueBeam’s advanced imaging framework and treatment templates allow specialists to customize radiation delivery for each cancer case. Synchronizes radiation delivery with images and then adjusts radiation delivery based on the slightest movement of the patient, including breathing. TrueBeam can deliver high doses of radiation in a shorter duration, allowing specialists to shorten overall treatment time for patients.
4.Versa HD
Versa HD is an all-in-one radiation delivery system that delivers radiation with advanced stereotaxic precision. The Versa HD features sophisticated beamforming and high dose rate mode delivery technology, which improves accuracy and facilitates the speed needed to deliver stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) techniques, which require superior precision in targeting and internal protection of the tumor. organs
5. Agility Synergy
Agility Synergy is a linear accelerator that enables clinicians to safely deliver high-precision image-guided adaptive radiation therapy in very few sessions. Agility Synergy can more accurately treat cancer present anywhere in the body along with non-cancerous medical conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, meningioma, acoustic neuroma, etc.
6. Artists with TC on rails
Artiste is Asia’s first CT-on-rail image-guided radiation therapy machine, Artiste plays an important role in making cancer treatment more precise while protecting surrounding healthy tissue and having minimal side effects. Carefully deliver the radiation beam where the target area receives the maximum dose while healthy tissue receives less intense radiation. This has a positive impact on treatment response and recovery among cancer patients.
7. Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy, or internal beam radiation therapy, allows specialists to treat tumors by placing a source of radiation inside or very close to the tumor. The radiation emitted from this source kills cancer cells over time. This helps deliver high doses of radiation to the target without affecting the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. Brachytherapy is used to treat a wide variety of cancers, including cancers of the prostate, bladder, cervix, vagina, rectum, head and neck, skin, breast, gallbladder, uterus, and eyes.
8. Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is a therapeutic approach in which cancer cells are exposed to temperatures up to 42°C. Hyperthermia is always used in combination with radiation therapy or anticancer drugs. Hyperthermia is useful in the treatment of skin cancers, cancers of the head and neck region that may have spread to the lymph nodes, etc.
FAQs on Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that involves the use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. It is a type of cancer treatment that involves the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which causes them to die or stop dividing. The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
Radiation therapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers, including but not limited to:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Brain tumors
- Skin cancer
- Lymphoma
- Gynecological cancers
- Sarcomas
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Bladder cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
The use of radiation therapy will depend on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. The radiation is targeted to the cancerous area and delivered in a controlled and precise manner to minimize damage to healthy tissue. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy). The goal of radiation therapy is to shrink tumors, destroy cancer cells, and prevent cancer from spreading or recurring.
There are two main types of radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): This involves the use of a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver high-energy radiation to the cancerous area from outside the body. The radiation is focused on the tumor and is carefully aimed to avoid healthy tissues.
- Brachytherapy: This involves the insertion of radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor. The radioactive sources are usually implanted by a surgical procedure, and they deliver radiation directly to the tumor site over a period of time.
Both types of radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease.
Radiation therapy is generally considered safe, and the risks of side effects are outweighed by the benefits of treating cancer. However, like any medical treatment, there are risks associated with radiation therapy, including damage to healthy tissue, which can lead to side effects. Your radiation oncologist will work with you to minimize these risks and maximize the benefits of your treatment. It is important to discuss any concerns you may have about the safety of radiation therapy with your healthcare team.
Radiation therapy may cause both acute and long-term side effects. Acute side effects can include fatigue, skin changes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term side effects can include skin changes, chronic pain, fatigue, and lymphedema. However, the risk and severity of side effects vary based on the type and duration of radiation therapy, as well as the individual patient’s health and medical history. Your radiation oncologist will discuss potential side effects and how to manage them with you before starting treatment.
The duration of radiation therapy varies depending on the type of cancer being treated, the location and size of the tumor, and the specific treatment plan developed by the radiation oncologist. Generally, radiation therapy is given daily over the course of several weeks. Each treatment session typically lasts only a few minutes, but patients may need to come in for treatment five days a week for several weeks. The total length of treatment can range from a few days to several months.
It depends on the individual’s tolerance and the type of radiation therapy they are undergoing. In general, most people are able to continue their normal activities during radiation therapy. However, some may experience fatigue or other side effects that make it difficult to carry out daily activities. It’s important to talk to your radiation oncologist about any concerns you have and to follow their instructions regarding activity level and rest during your treatment.
Radiation therapy planning involves several steps, including imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI, to determine the size and location of the tumor, as well as the surrounding healthy tissues. This helps the radiation oncologist to determine the appropriate radiation dose and plan the treatment area. The radiation oncologist will also consider your overall health and any other medical conditions you may have, as well as any previous cancer treatments you have had. The goal is to deliver the highest possible radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. A team of radiation therapists and dosimetrists will work with the radiation oncologist to create a customized treatment plan for you.
Yes, there are certain preparations that you may need to make before starting radiation therapy. Your radiation oncologist will provide you with specific instructions, but here are some common preparations:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing during treatment.
- Avoid using any lotions, creams, or deodorants on the area being treated.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
- Follow any dietary restrictions given by your doctor.
- Arrange for transportation to and from your appointments.
- Plan to take time off work or other activities as needed.
- Prepare for potential side effects, such as fatigue, skin changes, and hair loss.
It depends on the area of the body being treated with radiation therapy. If the radiation will be targeting an area with hair, such as the head and neck region, then shaving may be necessary. Your radiation oncologist will discuss this with you and give you specific instructions if needed. In some cases, hair loss may be a side effect of radiation therapy, but this is not always the case.
The frequency of radiation therapy appointments varies based on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Typically, patients will undergo radiation therapy five days a week for several weeks. The exact number of appointments will be determined by the radiation oncologist during the planning process.
No, most radiation therapy treatments are done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. In some cases, such as if you are receiving a high dose of radiation or if you have certain side effects, you may need to be hospitalized briefly. Your radiation oncologist will discuss your treatment plan with you and let you know if you will need to be hospitalized.
In general, there is no specific diet that is required during radiation therapy. However, some patients may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which may require dietary modifications. Your radiation oncologist or dietitian can provide specific recommendations based on your individual needs and side effects. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your body during treatment.
While radiation therapy itself does not cause cancer, it can increase the risk of developing a second cancer in the future. However, the benefits of radiation therapy usually outweigh the potential risks. Your radiation oncologist will carefully plan your treatment to minimize the risk of side effects, including the risk of developing a second cancer.
Radiation therapy can potentially affect fertility, depending on the location of the radiation and the dose received. Radiation to the pelvic region or near the reproductive organs can affect both male and female fertility. In men, radiation to the testicles can damage sperm production and lead to infertility. In women, radiation to the ovaries can damage eggs and cause early menopause. However, the risk of infertility can be minimized by using protective shields and techniques to minimize radiation exposure to the reproductive organs. It is important to discuss any concerns about fertility with your radiation oncologist before starting treatment.
It depends on the type and dosage of radiation therapy received. Radiation therapy to the pelvic area or reproductive organs can affect fertility in both men and women. It is important to discuss any concerns about fertility with your doctor before beginning radiation therapy. In some cases, fertility preservation options such as freezing sperm or embryos may be available.
The cost of radiation therapy in India varies depending on the type of cancer being treated, the location of the cancer, and the number of treatment sessions required. The cost of radiation therapy can range from a few thousand rupees to lakhs of rupees. It is important to discuss the cost of radiation therapy with your healthcare provider and insurance provider, if applicable, before starting treatment.
Yes, many insurance companies cover the cost of radiation therapy. However, the extent of coverage may vary depending on the type of insurance and the specific policy. It is important to check with the insurance provider beforehand to understand the coverage details and any out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred. In some cases, financial assistance programs may also be available to help cover the cost of radiation therapy.
After radiation therapy, it is normal to experience some side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in bowel or bladder habits. These side effects usually go away within a few weeks after treatment. However, some side effects may persist for several months or even years. It is important to follow up with your radiation oncologist to monitor any long-term effects and address any concerns. Your oncologist may also recommend follow-up imaging or additional treatments depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated.
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