Radiation Oncology
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Radiation Oncology comprises of 2 major types.
Internal & External Radiation Oncology
External Radiation (Linear Accelerator)
When it comes to radiation oncology, Onco-Life Cancer Centre houses Elekta Synergy which is one of the latest & highly advanced radiation machine. Our linear accelerator is compatible with almost all treatment modalities & presently is one of the most advanced radiation machine available to the world market. They have over 99% accuracy by only targeting the cancer affected area & avoiding exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
More than 60% cancer patients have to undergo radiation therapy treatment. This treatment is highly effective with minimal side effects. Treatment modalities available in our radiation machine are conventional, 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, total body irradiation & total skin electron therapy (TSET).
Extremely trained & handful radiation oncologists in Pune, Mumbai & other major cities are privileged enough to be operating on such highly advanced linear accelerators. Our team of radiation oncologists, technicians & physicists are trained & experienced from various major hospitals in Pune, Mumbai & Kerala.
Cancer treatment is multidisciplinary. This department of Oncology is composed of a team of MCI- certified and Board-Certified Medical Oncologist Radiation Oncologist, Pathologists, Medical physicists, licensed Radiation therapists, Registered Nurses, Medical social workers, Dietician and Specially trained support personnel who have many years of experience in treating and caring for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Our 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 the radiation oncologists can choose the most appropriate energy and depth of treatment for each individual case.
Brachytherapy
We have Varian GAMMAMEDPLUS IX 24 channel Brachytherapy which is one of the advanced technologies in the current world market. Internal radiation is also called brachytherapy. A radioactive implant is put inside the body in or near the tumour. 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 may not be possible with external radiation treatment. It uses a radiation source that’s usually sealed in a small holder called an implant. Different types of implants may be called pellets, seeds, ribbons, wires, needles, capsules, balloons, or tubes. No matter which type of implant is used, it is placed in your body, very close to or inside the tumour. This way the radiation harms negligible healthy sails.
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.
Radiation Therapy
Days: Every day | Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 PM
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.
Most Popular Questions
The goal of radiation therapy is to get enough radiation into the body to kill the cancer cells while preventing damage to healthy tissue. There are several ways to do this. Depending on the location, size and type of cancer, you may receive one or a combination of techniques. Your treatment team will help you to decide which treatments are best for you. Radiation therapy can be delivered in two ways, externally and internally. During external beam radiation therapy, the radiation oncology team uses a machine to direct high-energy X-rays at the cancer. Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive sources (for example, radioactive seeds) inside your body.
A team of highly trained medical professionals will be involved in your care during radiation therapy. This team is led by a radiation oncologist, a doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.
Radiation Oncologists
Radiation oncologists are the doctors who will oversee your radiation therapy treatments. These physicians work with the other members of the radiation therapy team to develop and prescribe your treatment plan and make sure that each treatment is given accurately. Your radiation oncologist will also track your progress and adjust the treatment as necessary to make sure you receive the best care. Radiation oncologists help identify and treat any side effects that may occur due to radiation therapy. They work closely with other cancer doctors, including medical oncologists and surgeons, and all members of the radiation oncology team.
Radiation oncologists have completed at least four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of general medical training and four years of residency (specialty) training in radiation oncology. They have extensive training in cancer medicine and the safe use of radiation to treat disease.
Medical Physicists
Medical physicists work directly with the radiation oncologist during treatment planning and delivery. They oversee the work of the dosimetrist and help ensure that complex treatments are properly tailored for each patient. Medical physicists develop and direct quality control programs for equipment and procedures. They also make sure the equipment works properly by taking precise measurements of the radiation beam and performing other safety tests on a regular basis.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists work with radiation oncologists to give the daily radiation treatment under the doctor's prescription and supervision. They maintain daily records and regularly check the treatment machines to make sure they are working properly.
Radiation Oncology Nurses
Radiation oncology nurses work with every member of the treatment team to care for you and your family before, during and after treatment. They will explain the possible side effects you may experience and will describe how you can manage them. They will assess how you are doing throughout treatment and will help you cope with the changes you are experiencing. If they pass a special exam, they are certified by the Oncology Nursing Exam as an Oncology Certified Nurse.
Other Healthcare professionals
You may work with a number of other healthcare professionals while undergoing radiation therapy. These specialists ensure that all of your physical and psychological needs are met during your treatment.
Social Workers
Social workers are available to provide a variety of support services to you and your family. They can provide counseling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis of cancer and with your treatment. They may also help arrange for home healthcare and other services.
Dietitians
Dietitians can work with you to help you eat right during your treatments. They can help you modify your eating plan if treatment is affecting your appetite and what you can eat, and can provide recipes, menu suggestions and information on helping manage some treatment side effects from a dietary standpoint. Any dietary issues and questions you may have regarding supplements and claims you may read about can also be addressed at time of consult or during treatment
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists use exercises to help your body function properly while you are undergoing treatment. These exercises can help manage side effects, alleviate pain and keep you healthy.
Dentists
Dentists may be involved if you are receiving radiation for oral or head and neck cancers. They will help prevent the radiation from damaging the healthy areas of your mouth, caring for teeth, gums and other tissues in the mouth, and may recommend preventive dental work before radiation. They will also help manage oral side effects of cancer therapy, such as dry mouth.
Some patients are concerned about the safety of radiation therapy. Radiation has been used successfully to treat patients for more than 100 years. In that time, many advances have been made to ensure that radiation therapy is safe and effective.
Radiation therapy is usually well tolerated and many patients are able to continue their normal routines. Be sure to talk to a member of your radiation oncology treatment team about any problems or discomfort you may have. Many of the side effects of radiation therapy are only in the area being treated. For example, a breast cancer patient may notice skin irritation, like a mild to moderate sunburn, while a patient with cancer in the mouth may have soreness when swallowing. Some patients who are having their midsection treated may report feeling sick to their stomach. These side effects are temporary and can be treated by your doctor or other members of the treatment team.
Most radiation therapy treatments are daily, five days per week, for a specified period of one to eight weeks, depending on the disease and the course that the physician plans
If you miss a session during your prescribed treatment, it will extend your treatment course by a day. We strongly recommend that you try your best not to miss a session. However, your Oncologist may rarely give a miss due to falling blood counts or some severe symptoms.
No. You can continue to enjoy contact with family and friends without fear of exposing them to radiation.