What is Radiation therapy: Purpose, Procedure, Results & Costs in India

In the fight against cancer, advancements in medical science offer renewed hope and effective treatment modalities. Among these, radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, stands as a cornerstone treatment, widely utilized and continuously evolving. For patients across India, understanding this crucial treatment is the first step towards navigating their cancer journey with confidence. Ayu, your trusted partner in managing medical records, is here to demystify radiation therapy, providing comprehensive insights into its purpose, procedure, results, and the cost landscape in India.

India has emerged as a hub for advanced cancer care, with leading institutions adopting state-of-the-art radiotherapy technologies. These innovations are transforming patient outcomes, offering precision, efficacy, and improved quality of life. Whether used as a primary treatment, in conjunction with other therapies, or for palliative care, radiation therapy plays a vital role in millions of lives.

What is Radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a highly specialized cancer treatment that employs high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. This powerful energy works by damaging the DNA within cancer cells, which is essential for their growth and division. Unlike healthy cells, which possess a remarkable ability to repair themselves, cancer cells struggle to recover from radiation-induced DNA damage, ultimately leading to their demise. This selective destruction is key to the therapy's effectiveness.

While the fundamental principle remains consistent, radiation therapy has undergone significant technological evolution. Modern radiotherapy in India leverages sophisticated equipment and techniques to deliver radiation with unparalleled precision, minimizing exposure to healthy surrounding tissues and thereby reducing side effects. It can be a standalone treatment, especially for early-stage cancers, or an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. The decision to use radiation therapy, and the specific type, is carefully made by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists, tailoring the treatment to each patient's unique condition.

Why is Radiation therapy Performed?

The versatility of radiation therapy makes it a powerful tool in cancer management, serving various critical purposes depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Its applications span from achieving a complete cure to significantly improving a patient's quality of life.

Here are the primary reasons why radiation therapy is performed:

• Curative Treatment: For certain cancers, particularly in their early stages, radiation therapy can be a primary treatment aimed at achieving a complete cure. This is often the case for cancers like head and neck cancers, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and anal canal cancer. In these scenarios, radiation may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) to enhance its effectiveness, eradicating all cancer cells and preventing recurrence.
• Neoadjuvant Therapy: Administered before surgery, neoadjuvant radiation therapy aims to shrink large tumors. By reducing tumor size, it can make surgical removal easier, more complete, and less invasive, potentially allowing for organ preservation (e.g., for esophageal, rectal, and some breast cancers). This approach can improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of cancer returning locally.
• Adjuvant Therapy: When given after surgery, adjuvant radiation therapy serves a crucial purpose: to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that might have been left behind. Even after a seemingly successful surgery, there's a risk of residual cancer cells leading to recurrence. Adjuvant radiation acts as a "cleanup" mechanism, significantly reducing this risk and improving long-term survival rates for various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and certain brain tumors.
• Palliative Care: For patients with advanced or metastatic cancer, where a cure may not be achievable, radiation therapy plays a vital role in palliative care. Its goal here is to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life rather than curing the disease. Radiation can effectively shrink tumors that are causing pain, bleeding, obstruction (e.g., in the airways or digestive tract), or neurological symptoms due to pressure on nerves or the spinal cord. This symptomatic relief can significantly enhance comfort and well-being.
• Treatment of Non-Cancerous Conditions: While primarily a cancer treatment, in rare and specific instances, radiation therapy can be used to treat certain non-malignant conditions. These might include thyroid disorders (like Graves' ophthalmopathy), some benign tumors that are difficult to remove surgically, or specific blood disorders. Its use in these cases is carefully weighed against potential risks and is generally considered when other treatment options are ineffective or unsuitable.

Each application of radiation therapy is meticulously planned and executed by a dedicated team of specialists, ensuring the treatment aligns with the patient's specific needs and therapeutic goals.

Preparation for Radiation therapy

Embarking on radiation therapy involves a series of preparatory steps designed to ensure the treatment is as effective and safe as possible. For patients in India, this journey is supported by a compassionate and expert healthcare team, guiding them through each stage. Proper preparation is crucial for accurate targeting, minimizing side effects, and optimizing overall outcomes.

Here’s a detailed look at what patients can expect during the preparation phase:

• Initial Medical Evaluation and Diagnostic Tests:
  • The process begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation by a radiation oncologist. This involves reviewing your complete medical history, understanding your current health status, and discussing all previous treatments.
  • Crucially, diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and sometimes PET/CT scans are performed. These advanced imaging techniques are essential for precisely locating the tumor, determining its exact size and shape, and mapping its relationship to surrounding healthy organs and critical structures. This detailed anatomical information forms the bedrock of personalized treatment planning.
• Understanding the Treatment Plan:
  • Before any radiation is delivered, you will have detailed discussions with your radiation oncologist. This is your opportunity to understand the rationale behind the chosen treatment plan, the specific type of radiation therapy recommended, the expected number of sessions (fractions), the overall duration of the treatment course, and the anticipated benefits.
  • Crucially, the potential side effects, both short-term and long-term, will be thoroughly explained. Open communication is encouraged, and you should feel free to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
• Simulation and Immobilization Devices:
  • A critical step called "simulation" is central to precision. During this session, which may take longer than a typical treatment session, you will lie on a special table in the exact position you'll be in for daily treatments.
  • Custom immobilization devices are often created to ensure you remain perfectly still and in the same position for every treatment session. These devices might include headrests, body molds (like vacuum-activated cushions that conform to your body), or thermoplastic casts (which soften with warm water and then harden to fit your body snugly). These devices are vital for accurate targeting and reproducibility.
  • Skin Markings: Small, permanent tattoo dots (often no larger than a freckle) or temporary ink marks are applied to your skin during simulation. These markings serve as external guides for the radiation therapists, ensuring consistent and precise positioning of the treatment area each day. You will receive specific instructions on how to care for your skin and protect these markings throughout your treatment.
• Dietary and Bladder Protocols (Region-Specific):
  • For treatments involving the abdominal regions, patients may be instructed to come for their sessions on an empty stomach (typically 2-3 hours of fasting). This helps to minimize organ movement and ensures consistent positioning of the target area.
  • For treatments targeting the pelvic region (e.g., prostate, bladder, rectal cancers), specific bladder and bowel protocols are often prescribed. You might be asked to arrive with a full bladder or an empty bladder, depending on the treatment plan. These protocols help to move healthy organs away from the treatment field, thereby reducing radiation exposure to critical structures. The radiation technologists will provide precise instructions tailored to your individual plan.
• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • While radiation therapy is generally an outpatient procedure, it can be physically demanding. Patients are encouraged to maintain their daily activities as much as possible but should prioritize rest whenever needed. Gentle exercise, good nutrition, and adequate hydration are crucial for managing fatigue and supporting the body's healing process.
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption should ideally be avoided or significantly reduced, as they can exacerbate side effects and hinder recovery.
• Psychological Preparation and Support:
  • Facing cancer treatment can be emotionally challenging. Understanding the process, knowing what to expect, and openly communicating with your healthcare team can significantly help ease anxiety.
  • Many cancer centers in India offer psychosocial support services, including counseling, support groups, and access to psychologists or social workers. These resources are invaluable in helping patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological impact of cancer and its treatment. Ayu also facilitates access to such support through its network, helping you manage not just your physical health but also your mental well-being.

By meticulously following these preparatory steps, the healthcare team ensures that each patient receives the most precise and effective radiation therapy possible, maximizing the chances of a successful outcome while minimizing potential risks.

The Radiation therapy Procedure

The actual delivery of radiation therapy is a highly precise and carefully managed process, often spanning several weeks. While each session is relatively short, the overall procedure involves meticulous planning and advanced technology to ensure accuracy and patient safety.

1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation

As outlined in the preparation phase, the journey commences with a detailed consultation with a radiation oncologist. This meeting is crucial for:

• Reviewing your medical history, diagnosis, and pathology reports.
• Performing a physical examination.
• Discussing your overall health, lifestyle, and any co-existing medical conditions.
• Explaining the role of radiation therapy in your specific cancer type and stage.
• Outlining the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to radiation therapy.
• Answering all your questions, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.

2. Treatment Planning (Simulation)

This is perhaps the most critical stage in ensuring the precision of radiation therapy. It typically involves:

• Advanced Imaging: You will undergo specialized imaging scans, primarily CT scans, but often complemented by MRI and sometimes PET/CT scans. These scans create detailed 3D images of your body, allowing the radiation oncologist and medical physicist to precisely delineate the tumor volume and identify surrounding healthy organs that need to be protected.
• Immobilization and Positioning: As discussed, custom-made immobilization devices (e.g., headrests, body molds, thermoplastic casts) are used to ensure that you are positioned identically for every treatment session. This consistency is paramount for accurate radiation delivery. Small, permanent skin markings (tattoos) or temporary ink marks are often made to guide daily setup.
• Target Delineation: The radiation oncologist meticulously "draws" the target volume (the tumor and any areas at risk of microscopic disease) and critical organs at risk (OARs) on the 3D images.
• Dose Calculation and Optimization: A team comprising a medical physicist and a dosimetrist then uses sophisticated computer software to design a personalized treatment plan. They calculate the exact radiation doses, beam angles, and energy levels required to deliver a high dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. This involves complex algorithms that create an optimal dose distribution, often visualized as 3D maps.
• Quality Assurance: Before treatment begins, the plan undergoes rigorous quality assurance checks to ensure its accuracy and safety.

3. Radiation Delivery

Once the treatment plan is finalized and approved, the daily treatment sessions begin.

• Frequency and Duration: Radiation therapy is typically delivered in multiple sessions, known as "fractions," over several weeks. A common schedule is five days a week (Monday to Friday), with weekends off to allow healthy cells to recover. Each individual treatment session is relatively short, usually lasting between 10 to 30 minutes from the time you enter the treatment room until you leave.
• The Treatment Room: You will enter a specially shielded room, typically equipped with a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine. This large, robotic machine is the primary device for delivering External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT).
• Positioning: You will be carefully positioned on a specialized treatment couch, using the custom immobilization devices and skin markings created during simulation to ensure exact alignment with the treatment plan.
• The Linear Accelerator: Once you are correctly positioned, the radiation therapists will leave the room and monitor you from an adjacent control room via cameras and an intercom system. The LINAC then begins to deliver high-energy X-rays (or sometimes electrons) to the targeted area. The machine moves around you, often rotating to deliver radiation from multiple angles, but it does not touch your body.
• Painless Process: The delivery of radiation is completely painless. You will not see, feel, or hear the radiation itself, though you may hear the hum of the machine as it operates and moves. It is crucial to remain still during the treatment. If you need anything or feel uncomfortable, you can communicate with the therapists through the intercom.
• Image Guidance (IGRT): Many modern LINACs are equipped with onboard imaging systems (e.g., Cone Beam CT - CBCT). Before each treatment fraction, a quick imaging scan is performed to verify the tumor's position and patient alignment in real-time. This Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) ensures that any subtle shifts in patient or tumor position are corrected immediately, enhancing precision and minimizing geographical miss.

Types of Radiation Therapy Offered in India

India has significantly advanced its capabilities in radiation oncology, offering a wide array of sophisticated techniques:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This is the most common type, where radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body. Advanced EBRT techniques available in India include:

  • 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT): Shapes the radiation beams to conform to the shape of the tumor, delivered from multiple angles.
  • Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): A highly advanced form of 3D-CRT that further sculpts the radiation beams. It allows the intensity of each beam to be varied across its area, delivering a higher dose to the tumor while sparing adjacent healthy tissues more effectively.
  • Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Integrates imaging (like CBCT) directly into the treatment delivery process to verify tumor position and patient setup before each session, allowing for real-time adjustments.
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) / Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Delivers very high doses of radiation in a single session (SRS for brain/spinal tumors) or a few fractions (SBRT for body tumors like lung, liver, prostate). This ultra-precise technique is often used for small, well-defined tumors and requires sophisticated immobilization and image guidance.
  • Proton Therapy: A cutting-edge form of radiation that uses protons instead of X-rays. Protons deposit most of their energy at a specific depth (Bragg peak) and then stop, delivering minimal exit dose. This property makes it exceptionally good at sparing healthy tissues beyond the tumor, especially beneficial for pediatric cancers and tumors near sensitive organs. While currently available in only a few centers in India due to high cost, its availability is growing.
  • CyberKnife: A robotic radiosurgery system that delivers SBRT/SRS with sub-millimeter precision. It can track tumor movement in real-time (e.g., with breathing) and adjust the radiation beams, making it ideal for moving targets.
  • Ethos Adaptive Radiation Therapy: A new paradigm in radiation oncology that allows for daily adaptation of the treatment plan based on changes in tumor and organ anatomy observed during daily imaging. This "adaptive" approach ensures optimal dose delivery throughout the treatment course.
  • TomoTherapy H: A unique system that combines a LINAC with a CT scanner, delivering radiation in a helical (spiral) fashion. It offers continuous 360-degree rotational delivery with integrated daily image guidance, providing highly conformal and homogenous dose distribution.

• Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): This technique involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or very close to the tumor. It delivers a high dose of radiation locally, minimizing exposure to distant healthy tissues. Brachytherapy is commonly used for cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancers. It can be:

  • Low Dose Rate (LDR): Sources remain in place for days.
  • High Dose Rate (HDR): Sources are inserted and removed within minutes, typically over several sessions.

The choice of technique depends on the cancer type, stage, location, and individual patient factors, all decided upon by the multidisciplinary oncology team.

Understanding Results

The outcome of radiation therapy is a complex interplay of several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, its location, the total radiation dose delivered, the accuracy of treatment, and the patient's overall health and response. However, modern radiation therapy in India offers increasingly positive results, ranging from complete cure to significant symptom relief.

Cure and Control

• Curative Potential: For many early-stage cancers, radiation therapy is highly curative. When used as a primary treatment or in combination with chemotherapy, it can eradicate cancer cells entirely, leading to long-term remission and cure. This is particularly true for cancers like early-stage head and neck cancers, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Disease Control: Even in more advanced stages where a complete cure might be challenging, radiation therapy can effectively control disease progression. It can shrink tumors, halt their growth, and extend survival by keeping the cancer in check.

Improved Outcomes with Advanced Technologies

The landscape of radiation therapy in India has been significantly transformed by the adoption of advanced technologies:

• Precision and Efficacy: Techniques like IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, SRS, Proton Therapy, CyberKnife, Ethos Adaptive, and TomoTherapy H have revolutionized cancer treatment. These technologies allow for unparalleled precision in targeting tumors, ensuring that higher, more effective doses of radiation can be delivered directly to cancer cells while meticulously sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
• Reduced Side Effects: This precision directly translates to fewer and less severe side effects, as collateral damage to healthy organs is minimized. Patients experience improved tolerance to treatment, allowing them to complete their full course of therapy and maintain a better quality of life during and after treatment.
• Higher Survival Rates: The cumulative effect of these advancements is reflected in improved survival rates. While overall cancer survival rates in India are continually improving and catching up with global standards, the impact of modern radiotherapy is undeniable. For instance, studies on head and neck cancer patients treated with IMRT in India have shown encouraging 5-year overall survival rates, with treatment-related toxicities kept within acceptable limits, demonstrating the efficacy of these advanced approaches within the Indian context.

Palliative Relief

For patients with advanced cancer, where the focus shifts to comfort and quality of life, radiation therapy is an invaluable tool for palliative care. It effectively:

• Alleviates Pain: By shrinking tumors that press on nerves or bones, radiation can significantly reduce cancer-related pain.
• Controls Bleeding: For tumors causing bleeding, radiation can help to stop or reduce it.
• Relieves Obstruction: Tumors obstructing vital passages (e.g., airways, esophagus, bowels) can be shrunk, restoring function and improving comfort.
• Manages Neurological Symptoms: For brain or spinal metastases, radiation can reduce tumor size, relieving pressure and improving neurological function.

The full effects of radiation therapy are not always immediately apparent. Tumor shrinkage and symptom relief can take weeks or even months post-treatment. Regular follow-up appointments with your radiation oncologist are essential to monitor your response to treatment, manage any lingering side effects, and conduct surveillance for recurrence. Ayu helps you keep track of these appointments and your medical records, ensuring continuity of care.

Risks and Side Effects

While radiation therapy is a powerful and effective treatment, like any medical intervention, it comes with potential risks and side effects. Modern techniques are continuously developed to minimize these, but patients should be aware of what to expect. Side effects are generally localized to the treated area and are often temporary and manageable.

Common Side Effects:

• Fatigue: This is one of the most common general side effects, often described as a profound tiredness that doesn't improve with rest. It can build up over the course of treatment and may persist for several weeks or months afterward.
• Skin Reactions: The skin in the treated area is highly susceptible to reactions, which can range from mild to severe:
  • Redness (Erythema): Similar to a sunburn.
  • Itching and Dryness: The skin may become dry, flaky, or itchy.
  • Darkening (Hyperpigmentation): The skin may become darker, similar to a tan, which can be temporary or long-lasting.
  • Irritation, Peeling, or Blistering: In more severe cases, the skin may become irritated, peel, or even develop blisters (moist desquamation).
  • Management: Patients are advised to wear loose, soft clothing; use mild, unscented soaps; avoid scrubbing or rubbing the treated area; and apply prescribed creams or lotions to soothe and protect the skin. Direct sun exposure to the treated area should be avoided.
• Hair Loss: Hair loss occurs only in the area being treated. For example, radiation to the scalp will cause hair loss there, but not on other parts of the body. Hair usually grows back, but its texture or color might be different. In some cases, especially with high doses, hair loss can be permanent.
• Appetite Loss, Nausea, Vomiting, General Weakness: These side effects are more common when radiation is delivered to the stomach, abdomen, or large areas of the pelvis. Anti-nausea medications can effectively manage these symptoms.
• Mouth and Throat Problems (for Head and Neck Treatment): Radiation to the head and neck region can cause:
  • Oral Ulcers (Mucositis): Painful sores in the mouth and throat.
  • Hoarseness: Changes in voice.
  • Thick Saliva (Xerostomia): Dry mouth due to damage to salivary glands, leading to thick, sticky saliva and difficulty speaking or swallowing. This can be long-lasting.
  • Changes in Taste: Food may taste bitter, metallic, chalk-like, or have no taste at all.
  • Jaw Stiffness (Trismus): Difficulty opening the mouth fully.
  • Dental Issues: Increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
  • Management: Meticulous oral hygiene, specialized mouth rinses, pain medication, and dietary modifications are essential.
• Bowel Problems (for Pelvic or Abdominal Treatment): Radiation to the pelvis or lower abdomen can irritate the bowels, leading to:
  • Diarrhea: Frequent, loose stools.
  • Abdominal Cramping or Discomfort:
  • Rectal Irritation (Proctitis): Pain, bleeding, or urgency.
  • Management: Dietary adjustments (low-fiber diet), anti-diarrhea medications, and hydration are crucial.
• Urinary Problems (for Pelvic Treatment): Increased urinary frequency, urgency, or burning sensation.
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia) and Shortness of Breath (for Chest/Breast Treatment): Radiation to the chest area can irritate the esophagus and lungs, leading to difficulty swallowing or inflammation of the lung tissue (radiation pneumonitis), causing shortness of breath or cough.
• Lymphedema: Swelling due to fluid buildup, sometimes seen after radiation to lymph node areas (e.g., after breast cancer treatment).

Serious but Less Common Side Effects:

While less frequent due to modern precision techniques, more serious side effects can occur, including:

• Organ Damage: Damage to vital organs within the radiation field (e.g., heart, spinal cord, kidneys).
• Secondary Cancers: A very small, long-term risk of developing a new cancer due to radiation exposure, typically many years after treatment.
• Bone Weakening: Radiation to bones can sometimes weaken them, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Fibrosis: Scarring of tissues, leading to stiffness or reduced function.

The healthcare team will meticulously monitor you throughout your treatment, providing guidance, medication, and support to manage these side effects and improve your overall well-being. It is crucial to report any new or worsening symptoms to your medical team promptly.

Costs in India

One of India's significant advantages in the global healthcare landscape is the affordability of high-quality medical treatments, and radiation therapy is no exception. Compared to many Western countries, the cost of radiation therapy in India is substantially lower, making it an attractive option for both domestic and international patients seeking advanced cancer care. However, the total cost can vary widely, influenced by several key factors.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Radiation Therapy:

1. Type of Radiation Therapy Technique:
   • Conventional 2D/3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT): Generally the most affordable.
   • Advanced Techniques (IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, SRS, TomoTherapy, CyberKnife): These precision techniques require sophisticated equipment and specialized expertise, making them more expensive than conventional methods.
   • Proton Therapy: Currently the most expensive form of radiation therapy due to the extremely high cost of the cyclotron and facility infrastructure.
   • Brachytherapy: Costs can vary depending on whether it's LDR or HDR, and the number of insertions.
2. Type and Stage of Cancer:
   • The complexity and severity of the cancer directly impact the treatment plan. Larger or more aggressive tumors may require higher doses, more fractions, or more complex planning, leading to higher costs.
   • The location of the tumor also plays a role; treating critical areas (e.g., brain, spine) might necessitate ultra-precision techniques.
3. Number of Sessions/Cycles:
   • The total number of radiation fractions (sessions) prescribed significantly influences the overall cost. A longer course of treatment with more sessions will naturally incur higher expenses.
4. Hospital and Location:
   • Costs vary between different hospitals. Private corporate hospitals, especially those in major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, generally have higher charges due to their ultra-modern infrastructure, cutting-edge equipment, and premium services.
   • Public or government-aided hospitals may offer more subsidized rates, but access and waiting times can be different.
5. Oncologist Fees and Admission Fees:
   • The fees charged by highly experienced and renowned radiation oncologists can contribute to the overall cost.
   • Any admission fees if hospitalization is required (though radiation therapy is primarily outpatient).
6. Additional Tests and Post-Procedure Complications:
   • Pre-treatment diagnostic tests (CT, MRI, PET scans, blood tests), follow-up scans, consultations with other specialists, and any medications needed for side effect management or post-procedure complications can add to the total expense.
7. Treatment Package:
   • Many leading cancer centers in India offer comprehensive treatment packages. These packages can include initial consultations, imaging scans, personalized treatment planning, all therapy sessions, and post-treatment follow-up care. While appearing higher upfront, they can sometimes be more cost-effective than paying for individual services.

General Cost Ranges in India (in INR):

It's important to note that these are approximate ranges, and actual costs can vary. Always obtain a detailed cost estimate from the hospital.

• Average Cost of Radiation Therapy (Overall): Approximately ₹ 11,00,000 (around USD 13,200, subject to exchange rates).
• Overall Range: From ₹ 4,75,000 to ₹ 22,00,000 or more, depending on the specific technique and factors mentioned above.
• Technique-Specific Costs:
  • Conventional Radiation Therapy (2D/3D-CRT): Can range from ₹ 1,50,000 to ₹ 4,00,000.
  • IMRT/IGRT: Typically ranges from ₹ 3,00,000 to ₹ 8,00,000.
  • SBRT/SRS (often delivered via CyberKnife or advanced LINACs): Can range from ₹ 5,00,000 to ₹ 15,00,000 or higher for a full course, depending on the number of fractions.
  • Brachytherapy: Can range from ₹ 1,00,000 to ₹ 3,00,000 or more per course.
  • Proton Therapy: Currently the most expensive, potentially ranging from ₹ 20,00,000 to ₹ 40,00,000 or even higher for a full course, reflecting its advanced nature and limited availability.
• Per Session Cost (Highly Variable): Some sources indicate per-session costs ranging from ₹ 60,000 to ₹ 3,00,000, but this is often bundled into overall course costs. For example, 30 cycles of radiation might cost approximately ₹ 2,46,000 (this figure seems low for 30 cycles of advanced therapy, so it might refer to a specific type or a partial cost).
• Simulation Sessions: Typically range from ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 10,000.

Many hospitals in India provide excellent cancer care with experienced doctors, dedicated nursing staff, modern infrastructure, and advanced medical equipment, ensuring patients receive world-class treatment at a fraction of international costs. Patients are encouraged to inquire about financial assistance programs, payment plans, and health insurance coverage, which can significantly help in managing these expenses.

How Ayu Helps

Ayu simplifies your healthcare journey by securely storing all your medical records, including radiation therapy plans and follow-up reports, in one accessible place. This ensures seamless coordination of care and empowers you with complete control over your health information.

FAQ

Q1: Is radiation therapy painful? A1: No, the delivery of radiation therapy itself is completely painless. You will not feel, see, or hear the radiation. You might hear the machine moving around you.

Q2: How long does a single radiation therapy session last? A2: Each daily radiation session is relatively short, typically lasting between 10 to 30 minutes from the time you enter the treatment room until you leave.

Q3: Will I be radioactive after radiation therapy? A3: For External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), you are NOT radioactive after treatment and can safely be around others, including children and pregnant women. For Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy), you might be temporarily radioactive while the radioactive sources are inside your body, and specific precautions will be advised by your healthcare team.

Q4: Can I work or continue my daily activities during radiation therapy? A4: Many patients can continue most of their daily activities, including light work, during radiation therapy. However, fatigue is a common side effect, so you might need to adjust your schedule to allow for more rest. Your doctor will advise based on your specific treatment and how you feel.

Q5: What are the common side effects of radiation therapy? A5: Common side effects include fatigue, skin reactions (redness, dryness, itching, darkening) in the treated area, and hair loss only in the treated area. Other side effects depend on the body part being treated, such as mouth sores for head and neck radiation or diarrhea for pelvic radiation. These are usually temporary and manageable.

Q6: What is the difference between IMRT and IGRT? A6: IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) is a technique that shapes the radiation beams and varies their intensity to conform closely to the tumor, sparing healthy tissue. IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy) is a process that uses imaging (like daily CT scans) before or during each treatment session to verify the tumor's exact position and adjust patient alignment, ensuring precise delivery. They are often used together for optimal results.

Q7: Is Proton Therapy available in India, and how much does it cost? A7: Yes, Proton Therapy is available in a few advanced cancer centers in India. It is a highly specialized and expensive treatment due to the sophisticated technology involved. Costs for a full course can range from ₹ 20,00,000 to ₹ 40,00,000 or more, significantly higher than conventional photon radiation therapy.

Q8: How can Ayu help me with my radiation therapy journey? A8: Ayu can help by securely storing all your medical records, including your radiation therapy treatment plan, daily treatment logs, imaging reports, and follow-up consultation notes. This ensures all your health information is easily accessible to you and your authorized healthcare providers, facilitating informed decision-making and seamless care coordination throughout your treatment journey.