Radiation Oncology

At Shalby Hospitals, our Radiation Oncology Department is dedicated to providing cutting-edge, compassionate cancer care to our patients. We offer a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans for each individual.

What is Radiation Oncology?

Radiation oncology is a specialized field of medicine that uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer. We use high energy X-rays for treatment of various cancers including Brain, Head, Neck, Lung, Esophagus, lower GI tract, Prostate & Gynecological Cancers.

This radiation works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and division, and ultimately leading to their destruction. Radiation therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies like surgery and chemotherapy.

Radiation Treatment

Radiation treatment is typically delivered using the advanced Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator at Shalby Hospital, and the course of treatment usually consists of 6 to 7 sessions, depending on the specific cancer.

Advanced Radiation Therapy Techniques

• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): This technique allows real-time visualization of the tumor during treatment, ensuring precise targeting and minimizing side effects. We use KV X-Ray imaging and Cone Beam CT to achieve this.
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): IMRT delivers radiation beams from multiple angles, conforming to the tumor’s shape and sparing healthy tissues.
• Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): VMAT is a faster and more efficient form of IMRT, delivering treatment in a single rotation of the machine. Treatment sessions are typically very short, lasting only 3 to 5 minutes.
• 3D CRT: This technique is mainly used for large treatment fields and palliative care.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS and SBRT): These precise treatment modalities deliver highly effective treatment for small targets in a limited number of sessions (1 to 5).