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The battle with cancer is now judged by the details. Medical science has progressed significantly and modern oncological treatments are much more effective than in the past. However, increased effectiveness is also accompanied by greater complexity, which is why a personalized approach is now required for each patient.

In everyday medical practice, radiotherapy can have a different role from patient to patient: preoperative, postoperative, or radical, often in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The role of the radiation therapist-oncologist is to accurately select the appropriate treatment plan, taking into account not only the stage of the disease, but also the patient’s general health status, coexisting diseases, and even their personal needs.

Detailed information to the patient about what to expect from the treatment is essential. Knowledge of possible side effects and risks empowers the patient and strengthens their cooperation with the treatment team.

Timeliness is equally important. Radiotherapy must be performed without delay. Any interruption can significantly reduce the chance of cure. Therefore, the experience of the radiation oncologist is crucial in both the prevention and management of side effects.

However, care does not end with the end of treatment. Long-term side effects can occur even years later. A modern radiation therapist must be able to predict, monitor and treat them, providing comprehensive support to the patient.

When should a radiation oncologist be consulted?

Ideally, treatment decisions should be made through an oncology council, where all specialists participate. In cases where this is not possible, a visit to a radiation oncologist is necessary in the following cases:

➤ Newly diagnosed cancers:

• Prostate, Lung, Esophageal, Sarcoma, Larynx, Nasopharynx, Anal, Rectal, Cervical
• Skin cancer in sensitive areas (e.g. eyelids, nose, ears)
• Local recurrence after surgical treatment

➤ Postoperative cases:

• Incomplete tumor removal (R1/R2)
• PSA resistance after prostatectomy
• Adjunctive radiotherapy in breast, endometrial, head and neck

➤ Special cases:

• Brain tumors, lymphomas
• Stereotactic therapy in oligometastatic disease (1–3 metastases)
• Local recurrence after radiotherapy
• Benign brain tumors

Special attention is required when there are urgent symptoms of metastatic disease, such as pain, bleeding, neurological deficits or the threat of fracture. In such cases, immediate intervention by a radiation oncologist can prevent serious complications.

Conclusion

Individualized oncology care is not a luxury – it is a necessity. The combination of scientific expertise, technological support and essential human communication is the foundation for a treatment with the best possible outcomes – not only in terms of cure, but also in terms of quality of life.

The International Oncology Center of the Inter-Balkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki, in terms of technology and expertise in Radiation Oncology, offers services comparable to those of major centers abroad. Furthermore, EOPYY has facilitated in recent years patient access to advanced technologies in private clinics. Therefore, patients now have the opportunity for personalized and comprehensive oncological care.

The radiation therapist-oncologist, today, is much more than a treatment provider. He is a consultant, companion and protector of the patient’s health, at every stage of his journey in the battle with the disease.