Details about the New Technologies:
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT):
uses the same linear accelerator as conventional therapy but involves dynamic multi-leaf collimators that use movable "leaves" to conform the radiation beam to the shape of the tumor from multiple directions. IMRT greatly enhances the ability to tailor the radiation dose to each patient's individual anatomy. IMRT also allows higher radiation doses to be focused to regions within the tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal critical structures.
Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT):
IGRT combines traditional radiation treatment with a simultaneous CT scan or X-ray to allow for greater precision and accuracy when targeting and treating tumors. IGRT is the process of frequent two and three-dimensional imaging, during a course of radiation treatment, to ensure that the treatment volume is being accurately targeted.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT):
With volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), single or multiple radiation beams sweep around the patient, greatly reducing treatment time compared to conventional radiation treatment. This new technology also offers the radiation oncologist more control and flexibility to deliver a carefully targeted dose so that only the tumor receives a high dose of radiation
Other facilities in the Department:
Other Facilities in Department of Radiation Oncology:
Brachytherapy with Image Guidance (IGBT):
Micro Selectron HDR Brachytherapy is a clinically proven and economical option for treatment in various Cancers. ICRT (Ca Cervix & Ca Endometrium), ILRT (Ca Oesophagous), Interstitial (Ca Breast) and Surface Mould Brachytherapy.
Brachytherapy is a high precision radiation therapy, in which a radiation source is placed close to the tumour itself, to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumour. This precision Brachytherapy enables the application of a highly concentrated dose of radiation inside a small area. This causes less damage to the normal tissues and organs over short periods of exposure.
Treatment Planning System (TPS):
Computerized Treatment Planning Systems are used in external and internal beam radiation therapy to generate beam shapes for dose distribution. This provides maximum control and minimizes normal tissue complication while providing a 3D view of patient anatomy and tumour. Besides, the CT scan has networking with TPS which makes the treatment procedure highly precise.
This year we have introduced Stereotactic Radiation therapy to this part of Tamilnadu.
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy:
A specialized type of external beam radiation therapy called stereotactic radiation uses focused radiation beams targeting a well-defined tumour, relying on detailed imaging, computerized three-dimensional treatment planning and precise treatment set-up to deliver the radiation dose with extreme accuracy (i.e., stereotactically).
There are two types of stereotactic radiation.
SRS/SBRT is best for very small tumors. These techniques allow us to give a high dose of radiation to the tumor in a short amount of time. SRS/SBRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that can be completed in one to five days rather than over several weeks.
The advantage of SRS/SBRT is it delivers the right amount of radiation to the cancer in a shorter amount of time than traditional treatments. Plus the treatment is delivered with extreme accuracy, minimizing the effect on nearby organs.
