Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy is one of the most important treatment options for patients suffering from cancer. The treatment is effective alone or in combination with other procedures, such as chemotherapy or surgery. It involves the use of high-energy radiation that kills cancer cells. The types of radiation used in radiation therapy are x-rays, protons, gamma rays, and electron beams. Depending upon the type and severity of cancer and the patient's overall health, radiation therapy may be internal (brachytherapy) or external (through external beam radiation). During External Beam Radiation Therapy, radiation is delivered to the cancerous site using a machine called Linear Accelerator (LA). The gantry of the machine moves around the body during treatment without touching the patient. Internal radiation therapy (Brachytherapy) involves inserting a radioactive material source, i.e., a seed, wire, catheter, needle, etc., into or near the cancer site for a few minutes.

Our physicians plan meticulously to minimize the chance of any side effects. Our expert team of physicists and dosimetrists ensures complete safety while performing the radiation therapies with highly sophisticated equipment and computers. An oncologist may prescribe radiation therapy before, during, or after surgery, depending on the treatment strategy devised collaboratively by the medical team. Our team of expert oncologists starts the design for each patient’s complete, personalized treatment plan with a simulation. The simulation begins by using detailed imaging scans to determine the location, size, and shape of the tumor in the body.