FAQs
How is radiation therapy administered?
There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiotherapy and Brachytherapy. External beam radiotherapy is delivered using Telecobalt or Linear accelerator machines. Patient is made to lie down on a couch and high energy x-rays are delivered to the affected site. During Brachytherapy small applicators are positioned into or close to the tumour and radiotherapy is delivered directly into the tumor.How does Radiotherapy work ?
Radiotherapy uses high energy X-rays to damage the DNA of the tumour cells, thereby eliminating them. During radiation therapy, normal cells are also damaged. However, normal cells are better able to repair this radiation damage. In order to give normal cells time to heal and to reduce side effects, radiotherapy is typically given in small daily doses, five days a week, over a six- or seven-week period.How long does Radiotherapy take ?
Depending the type of cancer and the intent of treatment, radiotherapy can last for anywhere from one day to 7 weeks.Who administers radiotherapy ?
Radiotherapy is administered by a group comprising of Radiation oncologist, Medical physicists and Radiotherapy technologists.What are the benefits of radiotherapy ?
Radiotherapy can be used to Eliminate/cure cancerous tumors. It is some times used after surgery to prevent recurrence. It is used before surgery in some instances to shrink the tumor and make it more amenable to surgery. Radiotherapy can also be used for relief of symptoms arising from cancer such as pain & bleeding.