Radiation Oncology

Different types of therapy

3-D conformal radiation

Commonly known as 3-D CRT, it is one of the best alternatives to the conventional 2-D radiation therapy that helps to target cancer cells in a more precise manner, thereby reducing the unnecessary damage caused to the healthy cells. This can be used to treat both, malignant as well as benign tumours. The technique helps to create three-dimensional images of the tumour and the affected organs using various imaging guidance techniques like

• Computed tomography (CT scan)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• PET-CT

Ablation therapy

Radiofrequency Ablation is a highly advanced procedure that uses high-intensity electric current to target tumours that are very hard to access. The therapy is usually recommended to patients suffering from Stage I non-small cell lung cancer which cannot be removed surgically.

Adaptive radiation therapy (ART)

As the name suggests, the therapy allows the doctors to modify the treatment protocol from time to time in order to adapt to the changing dimensions of the tumour or tumour cavity which is determined by systematic monitoring.

Brachytherapy

Also known as internal radiation therapy, the procedure involves the placement of radiation-emitting radioactive material inside the patient’s body to target the cells in the affected area. The procedure comes with a shorter recovery period and alleviated risks of side-effects.

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

It is a type of radiation therapy that is given with the help of detailed image-guided assistance which is provided by a variety of 2-D, 3-D and 4-D imaging techniques. The procedure helps the doctors to deliver high doses of radiation to target the tumours in a much more efficient manner, making sure as many healthy cells are left intact as possible.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

The procedure involves the use of computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver radiation therapy with higher precision in a much more localized manner. The procedure is performed using 3D images generated by a CT scan or MRI.

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT)

The therapy is given during cancer removal surgery to target cancer cells that cannot be removed by other means. The radiation doses are much more intense as compared to conventional radiation therapy. To protect your organs from radiation, these may be moved temporarily during the surgery.

Proton therapy

Unlike conventional radiation therapies that involve the use of high-intensity x-rays to target cancer cells, proton therapy involves the use of protons. The procedure is highly beneficial for patients who have solid tumours with defined borders i.e. localized tumours.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy

This involves the use of a very high dose of radiation to target the cancerous growth in a localized manner, such that the nearby tissues are left intact.

• Lung cancer
• Lung cancer that has metastasized into the liver
• Lymph node cancer
• Spinal cord tumours
• Cancer that has metastasized into the brain
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)

Performed to treat functional abnormalities and smaller tumours of the brain, stereotactic radiosurgery helps to deliver the radiations with added precision thereby helping to preserve the healthy tissues. The technologies used by us include 3D imaging and localization techniques along with high-intensity gamma-ray or x-ray beams.

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)

The procedure involves the continuous administration of high dose radiations with the help of a rotating machine which helps to add to the accuracy. The procedure is highly recommended for targeting tumours near sensitive organs and can be used to treat a wide gamut of malignancies.