RADIATION ONCOLOGY

a) LINEAR ACCELERATOR :- (6 & 15 MV and Electron Beam) A Siemens Mevatron dual energy Linear Accelerator, a versatile, technologically advanced machine is in operation in this department. On one hand it has highly penetrating PHOTON BEAMS to treat deep seated tumours while on the other hand, it is equipped with 6 energies of ELECTRONS (5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14 MeV) to treat superficial tumours while protecting the underlying organs completely.

INTENSITY MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY, a recent technique which is used to deliver higher dose of radiation therapy with utmost accuracy to improve the cure rate of various forms of cancers. It is a computer controlled delivery of radiation therapy to maximise the radiation dose while keeping radiation dose to the normal organs with the tolerance level. It is available only in very few select centres across the country and is especially useful in the management of head & neck cancer and prostate cancer

b) TREATMENT PLANNING SIMULATOR : A dedicated simulator (VERASIM - CGR) is used for treatment planning. FLUROSCOPIC GUIDANCE ensures accurate treatment planning so as to spare normal tissue and critical organs.

ON LINE NETWORKING

c) COMPUTERISED TREATMENT PLANNING SYSTEM : The Department of Radiation Oncology is equipped with the latest computerised Plato O2 Treatment Planning System (Multidata). It is operated by a well trained physicist with the active involvement of radiation oncologists and helps in 3D visualistion of the patient's organ for planing of external brachytherapy.

d) BRACHYTHERAPY AND THE CONCEPT OF ORGAN PRESERVATION : Latest generation Computer Controlled Remote Afterloading System HDR (MICROSELECTRON) is in opreation in the department to provide state of art Brachytherapy facilities. It has a high dose rate delivery system and the treatment is completed in minutes. The hospital is equipped with full fledged facilities for Brachytherapy i.e. intracavitary, intraluminal and interstitial. This technique, which involves insertion of radioactive sources into tumour tissue allows conservation of body parts such as breast, tongue, cheek affected by cancer and limbs affected by Sarcomas.

g) DOSIMETRY :- The centre is equipped with a Scanditroni & wellhopn Radiation field analysis, analyser for quality assurance and accurate treatment.