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Image-Guided Radiation Treatment Hospital in Dhakuria

Image-guided Radiation Treatment (IGRT)

Image-Guided Radiation Treatment in Dhakuria

Radiation Therapy is one of the treatments used for various types of cancer. It uses high-powered radiation energy (X-rays, protons, or other sources) to kill cancer cells. Image-Guided Radiation Treatment is a type of External Beam Radiation Therapy. This is an advanced form of Radiation Therapy that uses images to guide the treatment, providing effective and precise results. As high-quality images are taken before and during every treatment session, it reduces the damage to the surrounding healthy tissues as the radiation may not reach them. Imaging technologies like CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs are used to accurately target tumours, which makes even using higher doses of radiation possible. This type of therapy is mostly used for cancer in a body area that moves, like the lungs and prostate. By improving targeting accuracy, IGRT increases the likelihood of destroying cancer cells while reducing side effects. 

The Oncology Radiation Department of Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, stays abreast of the latest treatment technologies and employs this integration of imaging into Radiation Therapy, offering patients a more effective and safer treatment option and enhancing patient outcomes.

FAQ's

IGRT is often recommended by radiation oncologists for cancers that are located very close to sensitive structures or that are likely to move during the treatment. These cancers include: 

  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Brain cancer
  • Abdominal cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Gynaecological cancers (like vaginal cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer)

In some cases, IGRT may be used along with other Radiation Therapy technologies like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT).

 

IGRT is performed by a team comprised of a radiation therapist, a radiation oncologist, a dosimetrist, and a therapeutic medical physicist. They work in their respective areas to deliver the best treatment outcomes and patient-centred care.

  • During the consultation with your radiation oncologist, they will explain to you what happens before, during, and after treatment.

  • A treatment simulation session may be conducted before your actual treatment, where the imaging scans will be done to determine the exact location of your tumour.

  • The treatment plan will be designed based on your specific situation.

  • Inform the doctor about all the medications you are taking beforehand.

  • You will be provided with specific dietary instructions that you need to follow before the treatment.

  • Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the treatment and avoid applying any lotions, perfumes, or deodorants.

  • If you have any fears, discuss them with the team beforehand.

  • Arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you for support and to take you home after the treatment.

  • Just like other Radiation Therapy treatments, you will receive IGRT while lying on the table. 

  • A machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC) is used to direct targeted radiation in the form of high-energy beams using X-ray or photon beams to the tumour to destroy it.

  • Before and during your treatment sessions, the radiation oncologist and care team member will take imaging scans.

  • The new imaging scans taken during the treatment are compared with images taken before the treatment during the simulation process. 

  • The imaging scans used for IGRT are X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound tests.

  • Two different types of machines can be used to deliver the radiation: one with built-in imaging equipment and the other where separate imaging equipment is used, bringing the patient close to it for treatment. 

  • Based on the imaging results comparison, treatment adjustments will be made to the beam, your position, and table positions. 

  • Most of the IGRT sessions take 15-20 minutes, but can also take up to an hour in some cases.

IGRT offers various benefits over other cancer treatment approaches, like

  • Effective and safe for cancers that move or require precise targeting

  • Exposure to radiation will be less due to the accuracy of the location through imaging information

  • Reduced risk to surrounding healthy tissues

  • Enhanced treatment accuracy

  • Improved patient outcomes and survival rates

  • Enhanced safety

  • Reduced side effects

  • Personalised treatment

  • Regular monitoring of tumours

  • Potent for shorter treatment 

Just like other cancer treatments, IGRT also causes some side effects, though they are less as compared to other treatments. The common side effects include

  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue
  • Skin changes at the treatment area (itchiness, redness, or irritation)
  • Nausea and vomiting

Other side effects, depending on the area, are:

  • Hair loss in the treatment area
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Eating or digestion issues
  • Headaches
  • Swelling or soreness in the treatment area
  • Urinary or bladder changes

Some rare side effects IGRT may show after months or years are:

  • Spinal cord changes
  • Brain changes
  • Mouth changes
  • Colon or rectal changes
  • Kidney changes
  • Lung changes
  • Secondary cancer
  • Lymphoedema
  • Joint changes

Our efficient radiation oncology team uses their calibre and expertise to reduce these side effects and provides full follow-up care to manage them promptly.

IGRT mostly requires multiple sessions, which are given 5 days a week continuously for several weeks. The number of sessions you will require will depend on various factors, such as the type of cancer, size, and location of the tumour.

Yes, for efficacy and treatment outcomes, IGRT can be combined with other cancer treatments such as Surgery, Chemotherapy, or other forms of Radiation therapy. Our oncology team will develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Image-Guided Radiation Treatment is usually done in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. You will need to stay in the hospital for the treatment, and its duration will depend on your overall health and treatment plan.

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