Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a medical treatment medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy or shrink cancer cells.
The Two Types of Radiation therapy explained
(EXTERNAL & INTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY)
External Radiation (Linear Accelerator)
Hosur Onco Clinic is empanelled with several multispecialty hospitals which houses the latest and highly advanced radiation machines (Varian Trubeam, Elekta Synergy, Siemens Artiste, Elekta Compact to name a few) .
These linear accelerators are compatible with almost all treatment modalities & are the most advanced radiation machine available to the world market. Its possible to achieve 99% accuracy by targeting the cancer affected area alone & prevent exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
In India, it is worth noted that more than 80% cancer patients have to undergo radiation therapy treatment. Radiation therapy is highly effective with minimum to no side effects.
Treatment modalities available in these radiation machines are conventional (2DRT), Three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), Intensity modulated Radiation therapy (IMRT), Image guided radiation Therapy (IGRT), Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), Electron therapy, deep inspiration breathe hold, respiratory gating, total body irradiation & total skin electron therapy (TSET).
Our oncologists are extremely trained to be operating on such highly advanced linear accelerators. Our radiation oncologists, technicians & physicists are trained & experienced from various major hospitals in Bangalore, Chennai & Kolkata.
These linear accelerators and the computer-controlled image guidance systems are fully integrated for a seamless radiation therapy process. The linear accelerators operate in multiple modes, delivering both photon and electron radiation at different energy levels, so our radiation oncologists can choose the most appropriate energy and depth of treatment for each individual case.
Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)
Internal radiation is also called brachytherapy. A radioactive implant is put inside the body in or near the tumor. Getting the implant placed is usually a painless procedure. Depending on your type of cancer and treatment plan, you might get a temporary or a permanent implant.
Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) allows a higher dose of radiation in a smaller area that might not be possible with external radiation treatment alone.
It uses a radiation source that’s usually sealed in a small holder called an implant. Different types of implants in the form of pellets, seeds, ribbons, wires, needles, capsules, balloons, or tubes are available.
No matter which type of implant is used, it is placed in your body, very close to or inside the tumor. This way the radiation harms as few normal cells as possible.
Brachytherapy is used to treat several types of cancer. Brachytherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other cancer treatments. For instance, brachytherapy is sometimes used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may remain. Brachytherapy can also be used along with external beam radiation.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. The radiation is usually delivered externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally, using radioactive materials placed inside the body. The treatment is carefully planned to target the cancer cells while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue.
Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. The combination of treatments is tailored to the patient’s specific cancer and medical history.
Benefits of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy has several benefits for cancer treatment. One of the main benefits is that it can be used to treat tumors that are difficult to reach with surgery. For example, brain tumors located in sensitive areas of the brain may not be surgically removed without causing damage to healthy tissue. Radiation therapy can be used to shrink the tumor and reduce the symptoms without the need for surgery.
Another benefit of radiation therapy is that it can be used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. After surgery to remove a tumor, radiation therapy may be used to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Radiation therapy can also be used to relieve symptoms caused by cancer, such as pain or difficulty breathing. In these cases, the radiation is targeted to the specific area causing the symptoms, rather than the entire tumor.
Risks of Radiation Therapy
Like any cancer treatment, radiation therapy has risks and potential side effects. The most common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin changes, and nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with medication or other treatments.
In some cases, radiation therapy can cause long-term side effects, such as damage to the heart, lungs, or other organs. The risk of long-term side effects depends on the location of the tumor, the dose of radiation, and the patient’s overall health.
Radiation therapy may also increase the risk of developing a second cancer later in life. However, the risk is generally low and must be weighed against the benefits of treatment.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is a valuable tool in cancer treatment. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, to kill cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. While radiation therapy has potential side effects and risks, it is generally well-tolerated and can improve the quality of life for cancer patients. If you or a loved one are facing a cancer diagnosis, speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of radiation therapy and other treatment options.
Dr Gowshikk's
Care With Compassion
Dr. Gowshikk’s Cancer Care is a comprehensive cancer treatment service available in Bangalore and Tamil Nadu ,including Hosur Sholagiri, Denkanikottai, Mugalapalli, Krishnagiri, and Palakode, India. The service is dedicated to providing compassionate care for patients on their cancer journey.
Contact
- Ground floor and 1st Floor, Krishna Square, Plot No 4-605-3, NH Road, Kamaraj Nagar, Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu 635117
- +91-9884333833
- hosuroncoclinic@gmail.com
Contact
- Ground floor and 1st Floor, Krishna Square, Plot No 4-605-3, NH Road, Kamaraj Nagar, Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu 635117
- +91-9884333833
- hosuroncoclinic@gmail.com
Dr Gowshikk's
Cancer Care
Dr. Gowshikk’s Cancer Care is a comprehensive cancer treatment service available in Bangalore and Tamil Nadu ,including Hosur Sholagiri, Denkanikottai, Mugalapalli, Krishnagiri, and Palakode, India. The service is dedicated to providing compassionate care for patients on their cancer journey.