Learn about Image Guided Radiation Therapy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Image Guided Radiation Therapy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Image Guided Radiation Therapy

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is a highly precise form of external beam radiation therapy used to treat cancer. Performed by a Radiation Oncologist, it combines advanced imaging technology, such as CT scans, X-rays, or ultrasound, with radiation delivery. Before and during each treatment session, real-time images are taken to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor and any surrounding critical organs. This allows for millimeter-level accuracy in targeting the radiation beams, ensuring maximum dose to the cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. IGRT is particularly beneficial for tumors in areas that move, like the lungs or prostate, or those located near vital structures. It represents a significant advancement in personalized cancer care, improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects.

Key Highlights

    Unmatched Precision: Uses real-time imaging to target tumors with millimeter accuracy, sparing healthy tissue.Adapts to Movement: Compensates for tumor motion (e.g., from breathing) and internal organ shifts between treatments.Enables Dose Escalation: Allows for safer delivery of higher, more effective radiation doses to the tumor.listrongReduces Side Effects:/strong Minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding critical organs, leading to fewer complications./lilistrongNon-Invasive:/strong An outpatient procedure with no surgical incisions required./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Treatment of localized cancers in areas prone to movement (e.g., lung, liver, prostate, pancreas).
  • Tumors located in close proximity to critical structures like the spinal cord, optic nerves, or bowel.
  • Cases requiring re-irradiation of a previously treated area.
  • As a component of curative, adjuvant (post-surgery), or palliative care for various solid tumors.
  • When highly conformal radiation techniques like IMRT or SBRT are used, requiring precise daily targeting.

How to prepare

  • Consultation & Simulation: A planning session (simulation) where you are positioned and immobilization devices (masks, molds) are created. Tiny skin marks (tattoos) may be placed for alignment.
  • Imaging: A high-resolution CT scan, and sometimes an MRI or PET-CT, is taken in the treatment position to create a 3D map of the tumor.
  • Treatment Planning: Your Radiation Oncologist and medical physicist design a personalized treatment plan over several days, determining beam angles and radiation dose.
  • General Health: Maintain good nutrition and hydration. Inform your team of all medications and supplements.
  • Specific Instructions: Follow any special pre-session instructions, such as having a full or empty bladder for pelvic treatments.

Risks & possible complications

  • General Radiation Side Effects: Fatigue, skin irritation (redness, dryness) in the treated area, and site-specific effects (e.g., throat soreness for head/neck, urinary issues for prostate).
  • Damage to Nearby Organs: Although minimized, there is a small risk of long-term effects to organs near the treatment site.
  • Secondary Malignancy: A very small long-term risk of developing a new cancer due to radiation exposure.
  • Imaging-Related Risks: Minimal additional radiation exposure from the daily imaging (CT or X-ray).
  • Procedure Discomfort: Some patients may find the immobilization devices or need to remain still for 15-30 minutes uncomfortable.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • During Treatment: Side effects are typically cumulative, increasing over the course of treatment (usually 2-8 weeks). Manage symptoms with prescribed medications and skin care.
  • Immediate Aftercare: No special recovery is needed after each session. You can usually drive yourself home and resume normal activities, though fatigue is common.
  • Post-Treatment Follow-up: Side effects generally peak 1-2 weeks after treatment ends and then gradually subside. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your Radiation Oncologist.
  • Long-Term Monitoring: Recovery is ongoing. Your care team will monitor for late side effects and check for treatment response through periodic scans and exams.
  • Lifestyle: Prioritize rest, a balanced diet, gentle exercise as tolerated, and continue skin care until irritation fully heals.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Varies; acute side effects resolve in 2-6 weeks post-treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering image guided radiation therapy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for image guided radiation therapy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 2,753 – USD 8,809 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ Varies; acute side effects resolve in 2-6 weeks post-treatment Know More
Turkey USD 20,489 – USD 65,565 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ Varies; acute side effects resolve in 2-6 weeks post-treatment Know More

Top hospitals for Image Guided Radiation Therapy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated radiation oncology teams and experience managing patients undergoing image guided radiation therapy.

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150+ Rating

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Ananya Garcia, a 42-year-old high school...

Ananya Garcia, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had always been healthy until she developed a persistent, dry cough. A chest X-ray revealed a small tumor in her left lung. As a non-smoker, the diagnosis was shocking. After a biopsy confirmed stage I adenocarcinoma, her oncologist, Dr. Chen, explained that Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) was her best option to precisely target the tumor while sparing her healthy lung tissue and heart. Ananya was terrified of the word 'radiation' and worried about missing work and being unable to care for her children. The treatment itself was painless but emotionally draining; lying still on the table for 15 minutes each day for four weeks, she used the time to practice mindfulness. The post-treatment fatigue was significant, but manageable. Six months later, a follow-up scan showed no evidence of the tumor. Ananya's journey from shock and fear to profound relief has left her with a deep appreciation for precision medicine and a renewed focus on her family's health.

Radiation Oncologists for Image Guided Radiation Therapy

Explore experienced radiation oncologists who regularly perform image guided radiation therapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mangal
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Radiation Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

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Dr. Tanmohan Chaudhuri
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Radiation Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Sujoy Fernandes
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Radiation Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. Johan Sunny
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Radiation Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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