Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute (SGCCRI) has embraced new techniques of radiation therapy as a part of their comprehensive cancer care facility. BE’s Ellora De spoke to the authorities of SGCCRI.
Q. What are the established technologies used in radiotherapy facilities in your institute?
A. At Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute, we have embraced state-of-the-art technological modalities of radiation therapy to fight against malignancy. Our radiation oncology department is equipped with rapid arc, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT), electron beam therapy and high dose rate brachytherapy facilities.
Q. What is high dose rate brachytherapy?
A. Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy where a radiation source is placed inside or in close proximity to the tumour. It is widely used in gynaecological malignancies. We are using this technique for more than three decades.
Q. What are the advanced imaging technologies being used at your centre?
A. We are always keen on using latest imaging modalities for cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment and follow-up. Our panel of imaging consists of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), CT scan including triphasic scan, USG, DEXA scan, isotopic bone scan and radioiodine scan facilities.
Q. What is radiodine therapy? How is your institute taking advantage of this technology?
A. Radioiodine scan uses radioactive iodine isotope (I131) administered orally to detect residual thyroid malignancy or metastatic disease after thyroidectomy for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Radioiodine therapy uses higher dose of radioactive iodine to destroy residual or metastatic thyroid disease after a diagnostic radioiodine scan.
Radioiodine scan and therapy is available in limited centres in India and our institute bears the honour of being the first ever centre in eastern India to possess this facility and it is common knowledge that radioiodine scan and therapy is an indispensable part of treating thyroid cancer after surgery.
Q. How has technology impacted the diagnosis procedures of your centre?
A. Technology is an integral part of cancer diagnosis in today’s world. CT scan fused with PET scan and known as PET CT scan is widely being used in our centre to guide us in detecting the site of origin of malignancy and its spread. Triphasic CT scan is immensely helpful in detection and staging of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumours. MRI has an important role in diagnosing brain tumours, oral cavity cancers, rectal cancers and others. CT scan or USG guided FNAC or biopsies are performed routinely for obtaining pathological proof of cancer and tailoring of treatment according to the molecular profile of malignancy. These imaging modalities are extensively used for better diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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