Radiation Oncology

Cancers Treated with Radiation Oncology

Types of Radiation Therapy

Radiation oncology involves two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy, each offering specific benefits based on the patient’s condition and cancer type. Understanding these therapies can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

This is the most common form of radiation therapy. It uses a machine outside the body to direct high-energy beams precisely at the tumor. It’s typically used to treat cancers such as breast, lung, prostate, and brain.
Key points include

• Non-invasive and painless
• Short sessions, usually lasting a few minutes
• Targets tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue

Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

In this method, radioactive materials are placed directly inside or near the tumor, offering higher precision for certain cancers like prostate, cervical, or breast cancer.

Highlights of internal therapy

• Delivers radiation directly to the tumor site
• Minimizes exposure to surrounding tissues
• Often used in combination with external beam therapy

Both external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy are critical treatments in cancer care. Hospitals in India, especially in cities like Delhi and Chennai, offer the best radiation therapy in India, providing patients with advanced, customized treatment options to maximize effectiveness.

Cost of Radiation Therapy 

The cost of radiation therapy in India is significantly lower compared to many Western countries, making India a popular destination for affordable, high-quality cancer treatment. However, the total cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of radiation therapy, the type of cancer, the hospital’s location, and the expertise of the radiation oncologist.

On average, radiation therapy in India can cost anywhere between INR 1.5 lakh to 5 lakh, depending on the treatment plan. India’s healthcare facilities, particularly in cities like Delhi and Chennai, offer world-class radiation therapy at competitive rates.

Here’s a breakdown of costs

• External Beam Radiation Therapy: Typically ranges from INR 1.5 lakh to 3 lakh.
• Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation Therapy): Generally costs between INR 2 lakh to 4 lakh.
• Advanced Techniques like IMRT and IGRT: Can cost up to INR 5 lakh.

Hospitals in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, which are home to some of the best radiation oncologists in Delhi and radiation oncologists in Chennai, offer the latest advancements in radiation therapy at affordable prices, ensuring that patients receive top-notch care without financial burden.

Advancements in Radiation Therapy

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): IMRT uses sophisticated computer algorithms to shape the radiation beams precisely to the contour of the tumor. This technique enables higher doses of radiation to be administered to the cancerous cells while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. As a result, patients experience fewer side effects and improved treatment efficacy.
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): IGRT incorporates real-time imaging during radiation therapy sessions. This ensures that the radiation beams are accurately aligned with the tumor’s position, even if it moves between sessions. The precision of IGRT enhances the overall success rate of treatments, especially for tumors located near vital organs.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT delivers very high doses of radiation to a small, precise area, making it ideal for treating tumors in the lungs, liver, and spine. This method reduces the number of treatment sessions and accelerates the patient’s recovery process.
• Proton Therapy: Proton therapy uses protons instead of traditional X-rays to target tumors. This allows for deeper penetration and more accurate delivery of radiation, which is especially beneficial for pediatric patients and those with tumors located near critical structures.

India’s commitment to advancing radiation therapy is evident in its top-tier hospitals and the expertise of the best radiation oncologists in Delhi and Chennai. Cities like Delhi and Chennai are home to state-of-the-art facilities that offer the best radiation therapy in India, ensuring patients receive world-class care. Renowned centers employ highly skilled radiation oncologists