About Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Key Highlights
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Delivers highly precise, sculpted radiation doses that conform to the exact 3D shape of the tumor.Significantly reduces radiation exposure and damage to surrounding healthy tissues and critical organs.Enables safe delivery of higher, more effective radiation doses to the tumor.Can be used to treat complex, irregularly shaped tumors in challenging locations.Often results in fewer and less severe side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy.Non-invasive and painless during the actual treatment delivery./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Treatment of cancers in the head and neck region (e.g., nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal).
- Prostate cancer, especially when the gland is close to the rectum and bladder.
- Brain tumors, including gliomas and metastases near critical structures.
- Spinal cord tumors or tumors near the spinal column.
- Gynecological cancers, such as cervical and endometrial cancer.
- Lung cancer, particularly when located near the heart or esophagus.
- Recurrent tumors where previous radiation has been used.
- Pediatric cancers where sparing developing tissues is crucial.
How to prepare
- Initial consultation with a Radiation Oncologist to review medical history, imaging, and determine suitability.
- Undergo a specialized CT scan (simulation) to map the exact location of the tumor and surrounding anatomy.
- Creation of custom immobilization devices (e.g., masks, molds) to ensure you remain in the same position for each treatment.
- The radiation oncology team (oncologist, dosimetrist, physicist) spends several days planning the complex treatment using advanced software.
- Small, permanent or temporary skin marks (tattoos) may be placed to align the radiation beams accurately.
- Review of the treatment plan and signing of informed consent documents.
Risks & possible complications
- Fatigue, which is common during and after the treatment course.
- Skin reactions in the treatment area, such as redness, dryness, itching, or peeling (similar to a sunburn).
- Site-specific side effects (e.g., sore throat with head/neck treatment, urinary issues with prostate treatment).
- Potential for long-term effects on nearby organs, though risk is minimized with IMRT.
- Very low risk of developing a secondary cancer years later due to radiation exposure.
- Hair loss only in the specific area being treated.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Treatment is typically outpatient; you go home after each 15-30 minute daily session.
- Manage side effects as advised: use prescribed skin creams, maintain nutrition, and stay hydrated.
- Fatigue may persist for several weeks after treatment ends; ample rest is important.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your Radiation Oncologist to monitor response and manage any late effects.
- Gradually resume normal activities as energy levels permit; light exercise like walking is often encouraged.
- Continue with any other recommended cancer therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, hormone therapy) as per your overall treatment plan.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to a few months for full recovery from side effects
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering intensity modulated radiation therapy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for intensity modulated radiation therapy in India include Cytecare Hospital, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform intensity modulated radiation therapy. MediFyr helps you compare radiation oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intensity modulated radiation therapy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 200 Thousand – 600 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ Several weeks to a few months for full recovery from side effects | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 700 Thousand – 2.1 Million | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ Several weeks to a few months for full recovery from side effects | Know More |
Top hospitals for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated radiation oncology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intensity modulated radiation therapy.
Sophia Verma, a 42-year-old architect and...
Sophia Verma, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two, was diagnosed with Stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma after months of persistent neck stiffness, unexplained nosebleeds, and a feeling of fullness in her left ear. A non-smoker with no significant family history, the diagnosis came as a profound shock. Her radiation oncologist, Dr. Chen, recommended Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) due to the tumor's location near critical structures like her spinal cord, optic nerves, and salivary glands. He explained that IMRT's precision could target the cancer while sparing these areas. Sophia's treatment spanned seven weeks, five days a week. She found the initial mask molding claustrophobic but was reassured by the daily imaging confirming accuracy. Side effects included significant fatigue, a sore throat, and altered taste, which she managed with nutritional shakes and rest. Six months post-treatment, a PET scan showed no evidence of disease. Her salivary function is slowly returning, and her taste is improving. Emotionally, she moved from terror and disbelief at diagnosis, through the grueling focus of enduring treatment, to a cautious, profound gratitude. She now advocates for early ENT investigation of persistent symptoms and finds deep meaning in small moments with her family.
Radiation Oncologists for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Explore experienced radiation oncologists who regularly perform intensity modulated radiation therapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 13 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 13 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 31 Years Experience
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- 24 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 16 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
- 5 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
- 9 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 24 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 20 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 31 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 31 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 11 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 30 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 14 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata