Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) uses high-energy X-rays or particles to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Modern techniques like IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) and VMAT precisely focus the radiation on the tumour while minimising dose to surrounding normal tissues. Treatment is typically given as a course of multiple daily sessions (fractions) over several weeks. At Iswarya Cancer Centre, treatments are planned and delivered by our radiation oncology team using a Linear Accelerator.
🔬 How the Procedure Is Performed
- 1
A CT simulation scan is performed to map the exact tumour location.
- 2
The radiation oncologist delineates the tumour and organs to protect.
- 3
The medical physics team calculates the optimal radiation plan.
- 4
The plan is verified and quality assurance checks are performed.
- 5
Daily treatment sessions (each ~15 minutes) are delivered on the Linear Accelerator.
- 6
Weekly review appointments with the radiation oncologist monitor response and side effects.
✅ Benefits of Radiation Therapy
- ✓Can cure many cancers when combined with surgery or chemotherapy
- ✓Organ-preserving — treats tumours without removing the affected organ
- ✓Targets tumour with sub-millimetre precision using IMRT/VMAT
- ✓Palliates bone pain from metastases effectively
- ✓Non-invasive — no incisions or anaesthesia required
📋 How to Prepare
- Dental review before head and neck radiotherapy (extractions may be needed first).
- Nutritional assessment — a dietitian reviews all patients to optimise nutrition during treatment.
- Mould/mask fabrication for head and neck patients to ensure reproducible positioning.
- Inform the team of all medications and supplements.
- Avoid applying cream or deodorant on skin in the treatment field on treatment days.
⚠️ Possible Risks & Side Effects
- Fatigue — most common side effect during treatment
- Skin reactions in the treated area (redness, dryness)
- Site-specific effects depending on area treated: mucositis (head & neck), diarrhoea (pelvis), pneumonitis (chest)
- Long-term: small risk of a second cancer in the radiation field (years later)
- Dose to nearby critical organs — meticulously minimised by physics planning
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise them.
💊 Post-Procedure Care
- Continue moisturising skin in the treated area with prescribed cream.
- Rest when fatigued — it is real and physiological, not imaginary.
- Maintain adequate nutrition even if swallowing is difficult (ask for dietary advice).
- Attend all weekly review appointments — side effects can be managed if reported early.
- Follow-up scans to assess response typically begin 6–8 weeks after completion.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is radiation therapy painful?
The radiation itself causes no pain during treatment — you feel nothing. Side effects from the radiation's effect on tissues appear over the weeks of treatment and can be uncomfortable, but are manageable.
Will I be radioactive after treatment?
No. External beam radiotherapy uses radiation produced by a machine — no radiation remains in your body after each session. You are completely safe to be around family, including children and pregnant women.
How many radiation sessions will I need?
This varies by cancer type and goal. Common protocols range from 1–5 sessions (palliative bone pain) to 25–35 sessions (radical treatment for many cancers).
🏥 Radiation Therapy at Iswarya Hospital
Iswarya Cancer Centre provides comprehensive oncology support with radiation therapy using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.