Understanding Radiation Therapy in Siliguri: Treatment Options and Benefits for Cancer Patients

According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill or control cancer cells and shrink tumors. Depending on the type of cancer and the stage of cancer, it may be used as a primary treatment or combined with surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments. Before surgery, radiation therapy may be used to shrink a tumor so that it is easy for surgeons to remove it. After surgery, it may be used to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Radiation therapy can be used in palliative care in Siliguri to help manage cancer-related symptoms, including pain. As a salvage treatment, it may be considered to control localized cancer recurrences. For some hematological cancers including selected lymphomas and leukemias, it is directed at specific lymph-node or tumor sites.

Exploring Radiation Treatment Options for Cancer Patients in Siliguri

Radiation Therapy is of two types: External radiation and Internal Radiation.

External radiation

This is delivered through large machines called LINAC ( linear accelerator ) placed outside the body. The radiation machine moves around the body without touching the patient. It can be delivered in several ways.

3-D Conformal Radiation Therapy ( 3D CRT )

it uses computer software and imaging tools like CT scans and MRI to map the tumor's exact shape. Special tools sculpt the radiation beams to fit the exact shape of the tumor. Thereafter, beams hit the tumor from different directions to ensure healthy areas are less affected.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

it is an advanced external radiation therapy which uses a computer-controlled LINAC to customize beam intensities, target complex tumor shapes and spare healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. In this method, the shape and strength of radiation beams can be modified to match the exact 3D contours of the tumor. A multileaf collimator is used to block radiation from hitting sensitive, healthy organs. It uses cutting-edge computer software to design a custom treatment plan prepared by the doctor.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a highly precise external beam radiation that delivers very high doses of radiation to a tumor in small sessions. Sophisticated software and imaging allow the radiation to target the tumor while reducing the exposure to healthy tissues. It works by accurately locating the tumor using imaging tools such as CT scans and MRI. A personalized treatment plan is curated to shape the radiation beams around the tumor. In each session, image guidance is used to confirm the tumor’s position, accounting for bodily movements such as breathing. High-dose radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from proliferating.

Internal Radiation ( Brachytherapy )

In this radiation treatment, a radioactive source is placed inside or very close to the tumor. The doctor places radioactive material called seeds or pellets near or into the tumor. It delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor since the source is very close, while leaving nearby tissues healthy. There are two types of brachytherapy.

Low Dose Rate

the radioactive source remains near the tumor for days, weeks, or permanently. It releases a low dose of radiation to the tumor. This is usually done for prostate cancer.

High Dose Rate

a highly radioactive source is placed temporarily for a few minutes and then removed. This may be repeated over several sessions based on the patient's requirements.

Internal Radiation is used to treat -

• Prostate Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Certain Eye, Skin, Head and Neck Cancers

Types of Cancer Treated with Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for patients in Siliguri is used to treat different types of cancer. It may be administered alone to completely cure or control the cancer or in combination with surgery ( before and after ), chemotherapy, or as palliative care.

Some cancers that may be treated with radiation include -

Head and Neck Cancers

• Salivary gland Cancer - Radiation therapy is used instead of surgery when the tumor cannot be removed or after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.
• Nasopharyngeal Cancer - For these cancers, radiation therapy is the first treatment option as they are quite sensitive to radiation. Radiation is usually directed to the primary tumor, the area behind the nose and above the throat.

Chest Cancers

• Esophageal Cancer - radiation therapy is combined with chemotherapy to treat the cancer. It is given to a patient with advanced cancer to relieve symptoms like difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or pain.
• Lung cancer - for early-stage lung cancer, surgery is preferred. After the surgery, radiation is delivered to treat the remaining tumor. However, if surgery is not possible, stereotactic body radiation therapy may be used for a small, localized tumor.
• Breast Cancer - radiation therapy is mainly used after surgery to destroy cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in breast, chest wall, or nearby lymph nodes.

Gastrointestinal Cancers

• Anal Cancer- In this type of cancer, initially surgery is avoided to preserve the anal sphincter and bowel control. Hence, chemoradiation is opted for curing the cancer, controlling recurrent cancer, or to relieve symptoms like pain or bleeding.
• Stomach cancer- Radiation therapy is used in combination with either chemotherapy or surgery to either shrink the cancer when surgery is not possible or to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery is performed.

Gynecologic Cancers

• Vaginal Cancer - for Vaginal Cancer, radiation therapy is particularly useful, especially for stage II, III, and IVA cancer. Both external beam and internal radiation can be used to treat these cancers along with chemoradiation.
• Cervical cancer - radiation therapy is one of the main treatments in cervical cancers, especially when it is locally advanced.
• Vulvar Cancer - for such cancers, radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery or as the main treatment based on the tumor size or location, stage, and whether surgery can safely remove the cancer.

How Radiation Therapy Helps Treat Cancer: Key Potential Benefits

Radiation therapy is the linchpin of cancer treatment. It offers several advantages as it can be combined with other types of treatments. Some of its advantages are -

Potent Cancer Control

• Kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA
• Eliminates or shrinks the tumor
• Prevents cancer cells from recurring.

Preserves Organs

• Reduces harm to surrounding healthy tissues and cells like the breast, bladder, prostate, or larynx.
• Reduces the need for surgery in selected patients.
• Treats cancer without removing the affected organ in many cases.

Non-Invasive Procedure

• No anesthesia or surgical incisions are required.
• Painless treatment and performed on an outpatient basis.

Enhances Survival and Quality of Life

• Increases survival rates for different types of cancer.
• Patients maintain better physical function and quality of life throughout treatment.

Meticulous Targeting

• Radiation Therapy delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor.
• Reduces damage to healthy tissues surrounding the tumor.

Personalized treatment

• Each radiation therapy is customized according to the patient’s cancer type, location, stage, and overall health.
• Treatment can be modified.

Radiation Therapy Planning in Siliguri. How Doctors Personalize Your Treatment

Radiation therapy is carefully planned as the prescribed dose has to be accurately administered to the tumor with minimal effect on the surrounding tissues.

Preliminary Consultation

• The patient sets up an appointment with a Radiation Oncologist.
• Patient’s medical history, pathology reports, imaging studies, and treatment goals are reviewed.
• The doctor ascertains whether the treatment plan is appropriate and discusses it with the patient.

Simulation

• It is a mock drill, done before the actual treatment.
• The patient is laid exactly as they will be positioned during the treatment.
• Immobilization devices such as masks or cushions are used to help maintain a stationary position.

Imaging for Treatment Planning

• A CT scan is performed to create a 3D map of the tumor and the treatment area.
• Other imaging like MRI may also be fused with a CT scan to better map the tumor and nearby critical organs.

Charting the Target

• The radiation oncologist outlines the tumor and identifies nearby areas at risk.
• This protects the healthy tissues while the radiation is focused on the cancer cells.

Planning the treatment

• Dosimetrists and medical physicists work with radiation oncologists to map out a personalized treatment plan.
• Specialized computer software determines the optimal radiation dose, beam angles, and treatment techniques.

Quality Assurance

• The radiation treatment plan is reviewed and approved by the radiation oncologist.
• Quality Assurance tests are performed to ensure that the treatment machine will deliver accurate doses safely.

Treatment Delivery

• Once the treatment plan is approved, radiation therapy begins.
• Treatment is usually painless and lasts about 10-30 minutes.

Monitoring during treatment

• Patients’ responses and any side effects are measured. The patient is called for regular review visits.
• The treatment plan may be adjusted according to the patient’s anatomy or tumor size.

What to Expect During Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a closely monitored treatment. However, most patients can return home the same day.

Before Treatment Session

• After checking in at the radiation therapy department, a radiation therapist guides the patient to the treatment room.
• The patient is positioned exactly as during simulation, using immobilization devices if needed.

During Treatment Session

• The treatment machines rotate around the body to deliver radiation from different angles.
• The patient cannot see, feel, or smell the radiation.
• The actual radiation lasts only a few minutes, while the entire session might take 10-30 minutes.

After the Treatment Session

• Once the session is over, the normal routine can be started by the patient.
• No radiation is left in the patient’s body after external beam irradiation; hence, it is safe to be around family and friends.

Potential Side Effects

• Fatigue
• Dryness, skin redness or irritation on the affected area
• Hair Loss
• Temporary changes ( diarrhoea, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, etc. )

Why Choose Dr. Saptarshi Ghosh for Radiation Therapy in Siliguri?

Dr. Saptarshi Ghosh and his team have a long and established track record in providing the best Radiation Therapy in Siliguri. He ensures that the treatment is safe, accurate, and tailored to the patient’s individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions