Radiation Oncology
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Radiation Oncology
At Pi Health Cancer Hospital, our Radiation Oncology department specializes in delivering targeted radiation therapy to effectively treat various types of cancer. Our team of experienced radiation oncologists is dedicated to providing patients with personalized and compassionate care, with the goal of achieving optimal treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects.
Diagnosis:
Diagnostic procedures in radiation oncology are aimed at accurately diagnosing cancer and determining the extent of the disease to guide treatment planning. While radiation therapy itself is not a diagnostic tool, several imaging and diagnostic tests are essential in the radiation oncology diagnostic process. Common diagnostic procedures in radiation oncology include:
- Imaging Tests: Various imaging techniques are used to visualize the location, size, and extent of tumors within the body. These imaging tests include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. These tests help radiation oncologists precisely locate tumors, assess their characteristics, and identify nearby critical structures to avoid during treatment planning.
- Biopsy: A biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area for laboratory analysis. In radiation oncology, biopsies may be performed to confirm the presence of cancer, determine its type and subtype, and assess its aggressiveness. Biopsy results provide valuable information that helps radiation oncologists tailor treatment plans to the specific characteristics of the cancer.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopic procedures use a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light to examine the interior of organs or tissues. Endoscopy may be used in radiation oncology to visualize tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or other anatomical regions. It helps radiation oncologists assess tumor size, location, and extent, guiding treatment planning for cancers located in these areas.
- Molecular Testing: Molecular testing analyzes the genetic makeup of cancer cells to identify specific mutations or biomarkers that may influence treatment decisions and prognosis. Molecular tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) help radiation oncologists select appropriate treatment strategies, including targeted therapies or personalized radiation therapy approaches.
- Functional Imaging: Functional imaging techniques assess the physiological characteristics of tumors and surrounding tissues, providing valuable information about tumor metabolism, blood flow, and oxygenation levels. Functional imaging modalities such as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) help radiation oncologists assess tumor response to treatment and predict treatment outcomes.
These diagnostic procedures play a crucial role in radiation oncology by providing essential information for treatment planning and ensuring accurate delivery of radiation therapy to target tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Collaboration between radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team is essential to optimize patient care and treatment outcomes.
Treatment Procedures:
Radiation oncology treatment procedures involve the use of high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. These procedures are tailored to the specific type of cancer, its location, size, and the patient’s overall health status. Common radiation oncology treatment procedures include:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): EBRT delivers radiation from outside the body using a machine called a linear accelerator. During treatment, the radiation beams are precisely targeted at the tumor while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues. EBRT is commonly used to treat solid tumors, such as those in the prostate, breast, lung, and brain.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): IMRT is an advanced form of EBRT that allows radiation oncologists to adjust the intensity and shape of radiation beams to conform to the shape of the tumor. This technique enables more precise targeting of the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, reducing side effects.
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): IGRT uses imaging techniques such as CT scans or X-rays to verify the position of the tumor immediately before or during radiation treatment. This ensures accurate targeting of the tumor and helps compensate for any changes in its position or shape during treatment.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): SBRT and SRS deliver high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors or targets within the body, such as those in the lungs, liver, spine, or brain. These techniques allow for precise targeting of the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, involves the placement of radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor. This allows for the delivery of high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Brachytherapy is commonly used to treat prostate, cervical, and breast cancers.
- Proton Therapy: Proton therapy delivers radiation using protons instead of traditional photons. Proton beams deposit radiation dose more precisely, allowing for better sparing of surrounding healthy tissues. Proton therapy is particularly beneficial for treating tumors located near critical organs or structures.
- Radioimmunotherapy: Radioimmunotherapy combines radiation therapy with targeted immunotherapy agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. This approach enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy and may be used to treat certain types of lymphoma and leukemia.
These radiation oncology treatment procedures may be used alone or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the patient’s treatment goals. The selection of treatment is based on factors such as tumor type, stage, location, and the patient’s overall health status, and is determined in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise: Our radiation oncologists are highly skilled in the use of advanced radiation therapy techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and brachytherapy, to precisely target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- Individualized Treatment: We believe in tailoring radiation therapy plans to each patient’s unique cancer type, stage, and anatomy. Our team works closely with other specialists to develop comprehensive treatment strategies that prioritize both effectiveness and quality of life.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Our department is equipped with state-of-the-art radiation therapy equipment, including linear accelerators and imaging technology, to deliver highly precise and accurate radiation doses to cancerous tumors.
Best Radiation oncologist in Hyderabad
Dr. Ramya Paruvella
HOD & Senior Consultant Radiologist
MBBS, M.D (Radio Diagnosis) (OSM) Gold Medallist
10+ years Experience
Frequently Asked Question
A: Radiation oncology is a branch of medicine that uses targeted radiation therapy to treat cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, radiation therapy delivers focused radiation beams directly to the tumor site, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Surgery removes cancerous tumors physically, while radiation therapy destroys cancer cells using high-energy radiation.
A: Radiation therapy can be used to treat a wide range of cancers, including but not limited to breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, brain tumors, head and neck cancers, gynecological cancers, and gastrointestinal cancers. The suitability of radiation therapy depends on factors such as the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
A: Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. There are various techniques used in radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which delivers radiation from outside the body using a machine called a linear accelerator, and brachytherapy, which involves placing radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor site. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) deliver highly precise and concentrated doses of radiation to tumors, typically requiring fewer treatment sessions.
A: Common side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue, skin irritation or redness at the treatment site, nausea, and changes in bowel habits or urinary function, depending on the area being treated. Side effects typically resolve after treatment ends, but supportive care measures such as skin creams, medications, and dietary adjustments can help manage symptoms during treatment.
A: The duration of radiation therapy treatment varies depending on factors such as the type of cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the overall treatment goals. Some patients may undergo a course of radiation therapy over several weeks, with daily treatments scheduled Monday through Friday, while others may receive shorter courses of treatment depending on their individual circumstances
A: During a radiation therapy session, you will lie comfortably on a treatment table while the radiation therapist positions you precisely using imaging technology. The radiation machine will deliver the prescribed dose of radiation to the tumor site, a process that typically lasts a few minutes. You will not feel the radiation during treatment, and the experience is painless.
A: While undergoing radiation therapy, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and getting plenty of rest. Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can also help support your body’s ability to heal and recover during treatment.
A: Many patients are able to continue working and carrying out their daily activities during radiation therapy, although some may experience fatigue or other side effects that affect their energy levels. It’s essential to listen to your body and prioritize self-care during treatment, including taking breaks and seeking support from loved ones or healthcare professionals as needed.
A: Your healthcare team, including radiation oncologists and other specialists, will carefully evaluate your medical history, cancer type, stage, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. They will discuss the potential benefits and risks of radiation therapy, as well as alternative treatment options, to help you make an informed decision about your care.