Oncology

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

How are patients advised on the stage of their cancer and treatment?

Medical oncology is continuously evolving with the rapid research and development of new anti-cancer drugs. Once the cancer is diagnosed pathologically, staging investigations are generally done with the help of surgical oncologist or interventional radiologist and pathologist. Based on the diagnosis and patient’s clinical profile, the medical oncologist decides the chemotherapy agent, the dose and course regimen. Patients in advanced stages may need aggressive therapy in coordination with other disciplines whereas cases detected early may be treated conservatively.

Once the course of treatment is decided, the patient and family are counselled regarding the therapy, side effects, complications and outcomes. The patient makes an informed decision and participates in his/ her care process.

What happens during chemotherapy?

Administering chemotherapy is a standard procedure which follows strict protocols. Patients are reviewed by medical personnel and pre-chemotherapy lab reports are verified following which drug infusions are started under strict monitoring. At Kamineni, chemotherapy is administered in a dedicated facility by specialized teams with provisions for close monitoring and emergency readiness.

Once the procedure is complete, the patient is counselled in detail regarding diet, dos and don’ts, possible side effects, detecting emergencies and follow up schedule.

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Why is surgery prescribed?

Surgical oncology focuses on the surgical removal of cancerous tumours. Based on the diagnosis and patient’s profile surgeons decides the risks and benefits of surgical intervention.
For many patients, surgery is combined with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or hormone therapy to achieve best outcomes. These may be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant) to help prevent cancer growth, spread or recurrence. In some cases, the cancerous tumor may be inoperable, for these cases other modes of treatment are suggested.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

What facilities does Kamineni have for radiation theraphy

Kamineni Hospitals is one of the few radiation therapy centres in the city. It is well-equipped and managed by highly experienced physicians and specialized teams. Kamineni Hospitals has two major kinds equipment for delivery of radiation treatment:

Linear Accelerator for External Radiotherapy
Micro Selectron HDR for Brachytherapy

EXTERNAL RADIOTHERAPY

What is External Radiotherapy?

External radiotherapy can be administered as 2D conventional radiotherapy or 3D conformal radiotherapy and IMRT. The selection of therapy depends on the clinical profile of the patient, 3D conformal radiotherapy and IMRT are more advanced and frequently used.

Radiation oncologists chart out the course of treatment prior to delivering it. The patient is counselled in detail regarding the treatment, side effects and outcomes. Treatment plans vary as per type and location of cancer and can last up to 7 weeks. For some cases the radiotherapy is given along with chemotherapy once a week (Intravenous or oral) as per the advice of the medical oncologist. Once the treatment is complete, the patient is counselled regarding diet, precautions, follow-up schedule and emergency detection.

BRACHYTHERAPY

How is Brachytherapy different from External Radiotherapy?

Brachytherapy is an advanced form of treatment. It is commonly used as an effective treatment for cervical, prostate, breast, and skin cancer among others. Brachytherapy involves placing a sealed radiation source inside or next to the area requiring treatment.

Brachytherapy is highly precise and ensures a high dose of radiation to be applied to a small area. As radiation sources remain accurately targeted, clinicians are able to achieve a high level of dose delivery. This enhances efficacy of treatment and reduces risk.