Radiotherapy in the effective treatment of cancer
Radiotherapy is a major method of cancer treatment.
Approximately 60% of patients are estimated to receive radiotherapy at some stage in the course of their disease. It is administered as a radical treatment with the aim of curing, and palliative (to treat severe symptoms) and is combined with surgery (preoperative, postoperative), chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Radiotherapy is a local treatment, which means that it can be applied to the area of the disease in almost any location in the body. Its purpose is to destroy cancer cells by precisely administering the maximum possible dose of radiation to the tumor but with maximum protection of adjacent normal organs. This is achieved by using advanced radiotherapy techniques that are based on the careful design and technology of modern linear accelerators.
Application of Modern Radiotherapy
The radiotherapy process begins with the patient being positioned in the appropriate position and the effective immobilization of the treatment area, followed by simulation (planning CT scan for more accurate anatomical localization of the target tumor).
By fusing the images of the diagnostic tests (CT scan, MRI, PET/CT scan), the radiation therapist plans the tumor and the adjacent normal organs. Using sophisticated planning software systems, the radiation physicist then creates the optimal treatment plan. The planning and treatment plan process is the most important step for the successful administration of the treatment.
Radiotherapy is usually administered in multiple sessions of up to 35-40 daily from Monday to Friday. The duration of the treatment is a few minutes, it is painless and does not require hospitalization.
In some cases, shorter regimens with a higher daily dose in a smaller number of sessions may be applied – hypofractionation.
Informing the patient about the expected results and possible side effects is crucial for the good outcome of the treatment. The patient is given instructions on nutrition and hydration, body care, preventive use of pharmaceuticals as well as information on the occurrence of side effects and their treatment. During this period, regular contact with the doctor is necessary, while laboratory tests may be required to ensure the satisfactory general condition of each patient.
High technology for absolute accuracy
At the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Athens Medical Center, for the last 20 years, we have set as our goal the provision of high quality personalized care to oncology patients.
With the most modern technological equipment, we apply the most modern radiotherapy techniques that allow absolute precision in targeting radiation with the greatest protection of neighboring healthy tissues. These techniques provide the possibility of increasing the dose to the target tumor, respectively increasing the probability of cure while at the same time further limiting the dose received by healthy organs and therefore reducing possible side effects.
Individualization of treatment
From their first contact with the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Athens Medical Center, the oncology patient is treated by a team of specialists who will individualize every aspect of their treatment.
The assessment of each patient and the selection of the indicated treatment is made by decision of the Oncology Council, based on the guidelines as well as their particular needs and requirements.
Specialized experienced staff
Our Department is staffed with highly experienced, well-trained Radiation Therapists – Oncologists with many years of clinical experience, Radiation Physicists, Radiation Therapy Technologists, nursing staff specialized in Oncology and administrative staff.
All staff have the required certifications and follow a continuing education program, while European and International treatment protocols are followed, individualized to the specifics of each patient’s treatment, and there is participation in research protocols and studies.
