Radiation Therapy in India
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, targets cancer cells using high-energy beams to destroy them. This treatment helps shrink tumors and slow cancer’s spread. India uses various methods for radiation therapy, including 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Brachytherapy, and Superficial X-ray Radiation Therapy (SXRT). Each method serves specific types of cancer and treatment goals.
How is the Procedure Performed?
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is the most common method. It directs high-energy beams at cancer cells from outside the body. The patient lies on a treatment table while a machine delivers the radiation. The process typically spans several weeks, with treatments administered multiple times. While not invasive, radiation therapy can cause side effects like dry skin, nausea, and fatigue. Medical professionals carefully monitor and manage these effects.
Who Administers Radiation Therapy?
Radiation oncologists and interventional radiologists are the experts in radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists specialize in using radiation to treat cancer, while interventional radiologists assist with imaging and procedural aspects.
Success Rate of Radiation Therapy
Localized cancers treated with radiation therapy have a high success rate. Studies show a five-year survival rate of about 95% for these cancers, reflecting the effectiveness of this treatment in achieving positive outcomes.
Radiation Therapy in India
India offers cutting-edge radiation therapy with modern technology and experienced professionals. Major hospitals across the country provide excellent cancer treatment, making radiation therapy accessible to both local and international patients. The cost of radiation therapy in India is often lower than in Western countries, offering high-quality care at more affordable rates. This affordability, combined with advanced medical infrastructure, makes India a leading destination for effective cancer treatment.
