Radiotherapy is one of the most essential treatments for cancer and is a major focus at Hospital Picaso. This treatment uses beams of radiation to precisely target cancer cells, which can shrink tumours and cancer cells.
Radiotherapy is used to:
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Radiotherapy can be delivered in two methods—from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy) or from a source of radiation placed inside the body (internal beam radiation therapy).
External Beam Radiation Therapy
Elekta Harmony Pro: First in Malaysia
Hospital Picaso is proud to be the first hospital in Malaysia to house the Elekta Harmony Pro, a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator (Linac) capable of delivering precise doses of radiation and an array of advanced treatment modalities. Designed to be more comfortable for patients and more convenient yet efficient for the radiotherapy team, the Harmony Pro offers:
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Patients undergoing radiotherapy at Hospital Picaso can expect the Harmony Pro for the following cancer treatments:
- Head and neck cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Gastrointestinal cancers (oesophageal, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, gallbladder)
- Gynaecological cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine)
- Urological cancers (prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular)
Side Effects
While radiotherapy is an effective form of treatment for cancer, it is not without side effects. The side effects differ based on various factors such as the patient’s age, general condition, the location of the treatment and the dosage of radiation.
Patients may encounter common side effects such as:
- Hair loss
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Skin irritation (at the treatment area)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
Internal Beam Radiation Therapy/Brachytherapy
Elekta Flexitron: Our Choice for Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of internal beam radiation therapy delivered through a tiny radioactive capsule inserted close to the cancerous area. These pellets, which are as small as a grain of rice, deliver concentrated doses of radiation directly towards the cancer cells, minimising the harmful effects of radiation on healthy tissue nearby.
Here at Hospital Picaso, brachytherapy is delivered via the Elekta Flexitron. Capable of High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy, the Flexitron is extremely effective at targeting cancer cells. The oncologist may recommend brachytherapy to patients who have gynaecological cancers as the Flexitron is well-equipped to treat a wide range of cancers affecting the female reproductive organs including:
- Cervix
- Uterus (endometrium)
- Vagina
Side effects from radiation therapy are quite common, but they vary from person to person. It is best to discuss with the oncologist regarding any side effects that may arise during the treatment.
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