Prospects of adaptive radiation therapy in cancer discussed | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Safer cancer treatment through adaptive radiation therapy (ART) and its potential application in India, which records nearly 14 lakh new cancer cases every year, was the focus of a symposium held at a hotel in Sushant Golf City on Saturday.In ART, clinicians can adjust a patient’s treatment plan during the course of therapy based on daily, high-quality imaging. This adaptation is crucial as it enables precise targeting of tumours, even if their size, shape, or location changes due to internal anatomical variations, such as the bladder or bowels being full on some days and empty on others. The technique improves tumour targeting and reduces the radiation dose delivered to organs at risk, thereby lowering toxicities and side effects. However, experts noted that every new technology comes with a price. Speaking at the symposium, SGPGI dean and medical oncologist Prof Shaleen Kumar said, “ART is a transformative step forward in cancer care. By tailoring treatment to the unique daily changes in each patient’s body, it allows us to more precisely target tumours while protecting healthy tissue. For patients, this may mean safer treatments, and for doctors, it gives more time for better treatment planning.” Head of radiotherapy, Kalyan Super Specialty Cancer Institute, Dr Sharad Singh, said, “When paired with increased early screening, we have a significant opportunity to boost cure rates and provide more equitable cancer care nationwide.” Meanwhile, director of the department of radiation oncology at Medanta Hospital, Dr Neeraj Rastogi, added that incorporating ART into standard practice improves tumour control and reduces side effects.
