Radiation Oncology Services – Onco-Lifecare Cancer Centre, Chiplun

Fighting Cancer with Accuracy, Technology & Compassion

At Onco-Lifecare Cancer Centre, Chiplun, we are committed to delivering advanced radiation therapy that combines precision, safety, and patient comfort. Our Radiation Oncology Unit provides External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) using some of the most sophisticated technology available globally. This form of treatment is a key component in the fight against cancer—non-invasive, highly targeted, and proven to deliver strong outcomes.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

Advanced, Focused Cancer Treatment with the Elekta Synergy™ LINAC

External Beam Radiation Therapy uses a high-energy radiation beam directed at the tumour from outside the body. At Onco-Lifecare Cancer Centre, Chiplun, we use the state-of-the-art Elekta Synergy™ Linear Accelerator (LINAC), which allows us to deliver highly targeted radiation doses with more than 99% precision.

The machine is designed to focus the beam only on the cancerous area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and reducing the risk of long-term side effects.

Radiation therapy is typically delivered 5 days a week, over a span of 1 to 8 weeks, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Each session is quick and painless, usually lasting 10–20 minutes, and does not require hospital admission.

Key Technologies & Treatment Approaches We Use

3D-CRT (3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy): Custom-shaped beams match the tumour’s shape for enhanced precision.
IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy): Delivers variable doses to different parts of the tumour, allowing higher accuracy and protection for nearby organs.
VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy): Advanced technology that rotates around the patient to treat the tumour from multiple angles quickly and accurately.
IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy): Real-time imaging helps the doctor adjust positioning for each session to improve effectiveness.
SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) & SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery): High-dose radiation delivered in fewer sessions—often used for small, well-defined tumours in the brain, lungs, liver, or spine.
TBI (Total Body Irradiation): Used for certain blood cancers, usually before bone marrow transplants.
Breath-Hold Techniques (DIBH): Especially useful in treating left-sided breast cancer and lung cancer, reducing radiation exposure to the heart and lungs.
Electron Beam Therapy: Effective for treating superficial tumours, such as skin cancers or breast scars.

Why Choose Onco-Life Chiplun for Radiation Treatment?

World-class equipment and globally practiced protocols
Superior tumour targeting accuracy
Fewer treatment-related complications
Personalized radiation planning for every patient
Highly trained and compassionate oncology team
Seamless integration with other services like chemotherapy, diagnostics, and surgical oncology

Your Treatment Journey Matters

From the moment you walk in, our radiation oncology team—including doctors, radiation therapists, and medical physicists—will guide you through every step of your treatment. We ensure that each plan is tailored to your diagnosis, comfort level, and overall health condition.

Our team is trained at leading institutes and brings expertise along with a warm, reassuring approach. You are never alone in your journey.

Radiation Therapy Timings – Chiplun Centre

Monday to Saturday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
We ensure short wait times, detailed counselling, and quick turnaround so you can return to recovery and daily life with minimal disruption.

Onco-life uses highly advanced Elekta Synergy with Agility

The Modalities available are:

3-D Conformal radiation therapy with 6D Couch, delivers a high radiation dose to tumours but safeguards healthy tissue.
Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), involves using a variety of digital imaging techniques to pinpoint the exact location of a targeted tumour while the patient is in the treatment position and just prior to delivering the treatment.
Cone-beam Computed Tomography Systems (CBCT): are a variation of traditional computed tomography (CT) systems. The CBCT systems used to rotate around the patient, capturing data using a cone-shaped X-ray beam
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), is a revolutionary new modality in which radiation beams are shaped by 160 collimator leaves (Fingers) that wraps the radiation dose around a tumour, thus sparing healthy tissue.
Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT): Technology which gives dose distribution similar to IMRT but delivers treatment in shorter duration.
Stereo-tactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): for Lung tumours, Total Body irradiation, for the treatment of patients with leukaemia and lymphoma in preparation for bone marrow and stem cell transplantation.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRS): combines 3D imaging with multiple, highly-focused x-rays beamed at a tumour from different angles. Treatment machines automatically adjust for the motion of your breathing; making sure the beams precisely target a tumour and leave surrounding, healthy tissue untouched. Particularly effective for treating small, well-defined tumours in inoperable or surgically risky locations such as the brain and spine.

Satara -Radiation Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the types of Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is mainly given in two forms:
- External Beam Radiation (EBRT): A machine delivers high-energy X-rays from outside the body to the cancer-affected area.
- Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Tiny radioactive seeds or sources are placed inside or very close to the tumour.
Depending on your cancer type, location, and size, you may receive one or a combination of these. Your doctor will choose the best approach for you.

2. Who will be part of my radiation treatment team?

A team of trained experts will care for you:

Radiation Oncologist: The cancer doctor who plans and supervises your radiation treatment.
Medical Physicist: Ensures machines deliver the correct radiation dose safely.
Dosimetrist: Calculates the exact dose of radiation needed for your tumour.
Radiation Therapist: Operates the machine that delivers your treatment.
Nurse: Helps manage symptoms and supports you through treatment.
Dietitian, Social Worker, Physical Therapist, Dentist: Help with nutrition, emotional support, exercises, and oral health as needed.

3. Is radiation therapy safe?

Yes. Radiation has been used in cancer care for over 100 years. Today’s machines are highly advanced and precisely deliver radiation to the cancer area while sparing nearby healthy tissue.

4. Will I feel pain during radiation therapy?

No, the treatment itself is painless. It’s similar to getting an X-ray — you won’t feel anything when the radiation is delivered. Some mild side effects may occur later, but your team will help you manage them.

5. What side effects should I expect?

Side effects vary based on where you receive treatment. Common ones include:

Skin redness or irritation (like sunburn)
Tiredness
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing (in neck radiation)
Stomach upset (for abdominal areas)

Most side effects are temporary and manageable with medication and care.

6. Will I be radioactive after treatment?

No. You are not radioactive after external radiation. You can safely hug your loved ones and continue normal activities. Only certain internal radiation procedures (temporary implants) may require brief precautions, which your doctor will explain if needed.

7. How long will my radiation treatment last?

Most patients receive radiation once a day, 5 days a week, for 1 to 8 weeks, depending on the cancer type and treatment plan.

8. What happens if I miss a session?

Missing a session may delay your treatment. Try to attend every scheduled session. If you must miss one due to illness or other reasons, the session will be rescheduled.

9. Can I continue my daily routine during radiation?

Yes, in most cases. Many patients continue to work or do light daily activities. However, listen to your body — if you're feeling tired, rest is important.

10. Does radiation therapy cure cancer?

Radiation can cure cancer, control its growth, or relieve symptoms depending on the stage and type of cancer. It's often combined with surgery or chemotherapy for better results.

11. Will I lose my hair during radiation?

Only if the treatment is near your scalp. Unlike chemotherapy, radiation causes hair loss only in the area being treated — not all over the body.

12. Can I eat normally during radiation therapy?

Yes. But depending on where you're receiving radiation (e.g., mouth, stomach), you may need a special diet. Our dietitian will guide you on the best foods to eat to stay strong.

13. How will radiation affect my skin?

The treated area may feel dry, red, or itchy — like a mild sunburn. Your team will give you creams and tips to protect your skin.

14. Is radiation safe for older adults or people with other health conditions?

Yes. Radiation can be safely tailored for patients of any age, and special precautions are taken for those with other health issues.

15. How will I know if the treatment is working?

Your doctor will monitor progress with regular check-ups and scans. In some cases, visible improvement is seen during or soon after treatment.

16. Can I drive myself to treatment?

Yes, most patients can drive. If you're feeling weak or tired, it’s safer to have someone accompany you.

17. Can I shower or bathe during treatment?

Yes. You can bathe, but be gentle with the skin in the treatment area. Avoid scrubbing or applying lotions unless approved by your radiation team.

18. Will radiation affect my fertility or sexual health?

It depends on the area being treated. Your doctor will discuss this with you if relevant and suggest ways to protect reproductive health if needed.

19. What should I wear to radiation sessions?

Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to remove. You may be asked to change into a gown for treatment.

20. Is radiation therapy covered by insurance?

Yes. Most private and government insurance schemes cover radiation therapy. Our TPA desk will help you with documentation and approvals.

Radiation Oncology