Introduction
In India, radiation oncology has grown significantly in recent years and is now more commonly used to fight against cancer.
Patients should understand the various procedures involved so they can follow the right aftercare practices, which can improve their chances of success.
What is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation oncology is a medical field that uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer. The main aim is to damage and kill cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. This works by harming the DNA of cancer cells, which stops them from growing and dividing.
Additionally, radiation oncology involves planning, treating, and monitoring patients, all under the care of a radiation oncologist. It can be used alone and together with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
Techniques Used in India for Radiation Oncology
There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
This is the most common type, in which a machine outside the body sends high-energy beams (X-rays, electrons, and protons) directly to the tumor. Doctors plan the treatment very carefully so that the energy hits only the cancer and avoids healthy organs as much as possible.
Types of EBRT
3D Conformal Radiation Therapy
Doctors use CT scans and computers to make a 3D picture of the tumor, which helps them send radiation exactly where it is needed while protecting healthy areas.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
A very advanced method that uses many beams of different strengths, and gives higher doses to the tumor and lower doses to healthy tissue.
Arc-Based Radiotherapy (like VMAT and Tomotherapy)
A type of IMRT where the machine moves in a circular arc around the patient, and delivers radiation faster and more precisely.
Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
Before each session, the machine takes a quick X-ray and mini-CT scan to check the exact tumor position, which helps doctors target the radiation accurately every day.
Particle Therapy (Proton Therapy)
Instead of X-rays, this uses protons, which can stop right at the tumor, reducing damage to healthy organs in some patients.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (like Gamma Knife)
Uses very high doses of focused radiation to treat tiny tumors without surgery. It is usually done in 1-5 sessions.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Similar to stereotactic radiosurgery, but used for tumors in other parts of your body, and it is very precise and does not require actual surgery.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
Radiation is given during surgery, after the surgeon removes the tumor, and radiation is used to kill any cancer cells left behind.
Internal Radiation Therapy
In this method, radiation is placed inside the body close to the tumor, and it is usually used for cancers of the head and neck, breast, cervix, uterus, and prostate as well.
There are two ways to give internal radiation:
Brachytherapy (Solid Source)
A small radioactive seed and device are placed inside and next to the tumor; some stay for only a short time, some stay for weeks, and some remain in the body permanently but stop giving off radiation after some time.
Systemic Radiation Therapy (Liquid Source)
A radioactive liquid goes into the bloodstream by mouth and injection. It travels through the body and finds cancer cells. One example is radioimmunotherapy, where a radioactive protein attaches to cancer cells and destroys them.
What is the Cost of Radiation Oncology in India?
The cost of radiation oncology in India for international patients typically ranges from 2,500 USD to over 28,000 USD. But the price depends on the type of procedure; for example, proton therapy costs between 15,000 USD and 55,000 USD, and MR-guided therapy and standard radiation therapy both cost around 3,500 USD.
Why Choose India for Radiation Oncology?
Advanced Technology and Skills
- Top cancer hospitals in India use the latest radiation technologies, including Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
- Furthermore, these methods provide precise radiation doses to tumors while protecting nearby healthy tissues.
Affordable and Clear Costs
- The cost of radiation cancer treatment in India is up to 70% lower than in the US and UK.
- Patients receive care of international quality at hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI), even with the lower costs.
Trust and Accessibility for Global Patients
- Each year, thousands of patients from the Middle East, Africa, and CIS countries choose India for radiation therapy.
- Indian hospitals help with visa assistance, interpreters, travel arrangements, and post-treatment care, making the process easy for patients.
Highly Trained Radiation Oncologists with Great Experience
- India has many senior radiation oncologists trained in top cancer centres in the USA, UK, Europe, and Japan.
- Additionally, they treat many complex cancer cases each year, including brain tumors, prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, and pediatric oncology. Their experience with modern radiation techniques leads to better precision and safer treatment.
Access to Advanced Radiation Technology
Indian cancer hospitals provide some of the most advanced radiation therapy technologies worldwide, such as:
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy / Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SBRT/ SRS).
- Proton Therapy
- CyberKnife and TrueBeam Therapy.
These systems provide targeted treatment, reduce damage to healthy tissues, and minimise side effects, making India a top choice for advanced radiation care.
Lower Treatment Costs Compared to Western Countries
- Radiation therapy in India is 60-80% cheaper than in the USA, UK, Germany, and Singapore, without compromising quality.
- Lower costs are especially beneficial since radiotherapy often needs multiple sessions over several weeks.
Accredited Hospitals with Dedicated Radiation Departments
- India has many NABH and JCI-accredited cancer hospitals, and these hospitals have specialised radiation therapy departments, advanced imaging systems, 3D planning systems, and skilled oncology teams.
- Additionally, they follow international standards for treatment planning and patient safety. Many centres also offer complete care, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, and support services in one place.
Personalised Care and Strong Support Services
- Radiation therapy needs careful monitoring, repeat imaging, and tailored treatment plans. Indian hospitals offer quick diagnostics and fast treatment scheduling, customising care for each patient's cancer type and stage.
- That's why International patients enjoy a strong support system, including visa help, airport pickups, translators, accommodation assistance, and dedicated coordinators, which makes the treatment process smooth and stress-free.
