Cancer experts stress upon spreading awareness around treatment options like modern Radiation Therapy which are giving new lease of life to Head and Neck Cancer patients. The treatment for cancers such as the head and neck have transformed tremendously over the years, patients often worry while undergoing treatment for these cancers. Cancers which are collectively known as head and neck cancers usually begin in the mouth, throat, or the voice box.
On advancements in treatments Dr. Vineet Nakra, Radiation Oncologist at Max Super Speciality Hospital Vaishali says “With newer treatment methods for head and neck cancer , cure rate has become higher but what is more important is that side effects have been reduced to a minimum. For radiation therapy, we have an innovative technology called the IMRT (Intensity-modulated radiation therapy) which can kill the tumor with essentially no side effects. With this treatment patients can enjoy social life where one can talk and eat well without any problems in speech or swallowing food.”
Dr. Vineet Nakra further said “ After the diagnosis, the right treatment plan is very important. Modern treatment methodoligies along with safe and effective treatment options like IMRT have helped improve the clinical outcomes in a big way. Many patients have recovered successfully just because they were able to complete the entire treatment owing to innovative modulalities like IMRT which is now an important and effective treatment. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced type of radiation therapy used to treat cancer and noncancerous tumors, it uses advanced technology to manipulate high energy photon beams of radiation to conform to the shape of a tumor.
Radiation therapy is an extremely targeted treatment precisely acting on cancer wherever it may be in the body. This allows the cancer cells to be killed or be reduced in number while safeguarding most of the healthy organs and tissues in the body. It is a cost-effective treatment modality provided as out-patient treatment, where people can get it done in a short time and continue their normal activities.
IMRT uses photon beams from multiple angles around the body with varying intensities to precisely irradiate a tumor. The radiation intensity of each beam is controlled, and the beam shape changes throughout each treatment. This technique has improved cancer treatment in India. The process affects the DNA of the cancer cells acting at the genetic level and inhibits cancer cells from dividing and growing.
Radiation therapy also termed radiotherapy is a highly effective cancer treatment with a broad spectrum of uses. Radiation therapy supports to cure of cancer in patients either alone or combined with other treatments. Also, it eases symptoms, extends the survival period in more advanced forms of cancers, and is a proven treatment modality for nearly every type of cancer.
With the country taking a lead in cancer treatment, it’s high time when more people should know about the advanced treatment options and avail its benefits.