Procedure
Before the Procedure
You will attend a simulation, or "sim," session prior to treatment. The goal of simulation is to collect the information required by your radiation oncology team to design your treatment. During simulation:
- You will have a CT scan to see the tumor. You may also have an MRI or a PET scan.
- You will be tattooed with dots to help you align your body with the LINAC(linear accelerator). The marks are approximately the size of a freckle. They are drawn on in some cases, but they must remain throughout the treatment.
- Your radiation oncology team will position you during simulation so that the machine can deliver energy beams at the precise angles required to target the tumor.
- You may be fitted with special accessories such as custom mold to keep your body in position during the treatment.
- Your radiation oncology team will use the simulation data to create energy beams with varying intensities to target the tumor.
During the Procedure
The dosing schedule varies depending on the type of cancer. Treatment is usually given in short (5 to 15 minutes) sessions spread out over several days to weeks. Majority of the people receive IMRT from Monday through Friday. Depending on your cancer, treatment could last for several weeks.
During treatment:
- You'll be positioned exactly as you were during simulation. Any molds used to keep the treatment area perfectly still will be assisted by your radiation technologist.
- Your radiation technologist will leave the room to operate the LINAC machine. They'll be able to see you on a monitor from another room to ensure everything is running smoothly. A two-way intercom will allow you to communicate if needed.
- As it delivers multiple energy beams of radiation to the treatment fields, the machine will shift positions. As it shifts, it may make clicking and whirring sounds.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy is a painless procedure. You won’t feel the radiation during treatment.
After the Procedure
Doctor will probably see you at regular intervals to see how well the treatment worked. They will also keep an eye on things and assist with any side effects. You will almost certainly need to see your doctor for follow-up care for at least a couple of years after your treatment.
IMRT Care at Medicover
Medicover Hospital operates a full-fledged facility providing integrated cancer care that is powered by clinical excellence, world-class technology as well as international standards to India. The hospital has a team of doctors who are experienced in treating every cancer specialty with modalities such as radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. Medicover Hospitals follows a comprehensive approach to prevent and treat cancer through its dedicated team to optimize patient care. The goal of our cancer center is early detection, personalized treatment, and care delivered by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists through comprehensive cancer consultation. Our approach to treatment focuses on preserving the diseased organ as much as possible without compromising the patient's safety, resulting in a faster recovery time, minimal or no disfigurement, and a return to normal life as soon as possible.