Radiotherapy—also known as Radiation Therapy—is one of the most trusted and effective treatments for cancer worldwide. It uses carefully controlled, high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues. With modern technology, radiotherapy has become painless, safe, accurate, and highly targeted.

What Is Radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays, photons, electrons, or particle beams to damage the DNA of cancer cells. As a result:

• Cancer cells stop growing

• They shrink gradually

• They die naturally over time

Healthy cells can repair radiation-related changes, which makes radiotherapy safe and effective for most cancers.

A Simple Overview of Radiotherapy History

Radiotherapy has been used in medicine for more than 125 years:

• 1895: Discovery of X-rays

• 1896: First successful radiation treatment for skin cancer

• Mid-1900s: Introduction of cobalt machines

• Late 1900s: Linear accelerators (LINACs) brought high precision

• Today: Highly advanced IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, SBRT, SRS & adaptive radiotherapy

Modern radiotherapy is computer-planned, image-guided, and extremely precise.

Types of Radiation Used in Treatment

1. Photon (X-ray) Therapy

Used for most deep-seated cancers such as head & neck, breast, lung, cervix, and prostate.

2. Electron Therapy

Ideal for surface or shallow tumours such as skin cancers and chest wall recurrences.

3. Stereotactic High-Dose Radiation (SRS/SBRT)

Very high precision and high-dose techniques for brain, lung, spine, liver, and adrenal tumours.

How Radiotherapy Works

Radiation damages the genetic material inside cancer cells. Because cancer cells grow faster and repair poorly, radiation affects them more than healthy cells.

Radiotherapy can be used in different ways:

Curative Treatment

Aims to cure cancer completely (breast, head & neck, cervical, prostate, early lung cancer, brain tumours, many more).

Adjuvant Therapy (After Surgery)

Destroys microscopic cells left behind after surgery.

Neoadjuvant Therapy (Before Surgery)

Shrinks tumours to make surgery easier or more successful.

Palliative Treatment

Relieves symptoms like pain, bleeding, swelling, or pressure in advanced cancer.

Use of Radiotherapy in Non-Cancerous (Benign) Conditions

Radiotherapy also helps in selected non-malignant conditions, such as:

• Keloids

• Benign brain tumours (meningioma, acoustic neuroma)

• Trigeminal neuralgia

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

• Heterotopic ossification (HO) prevention after surgery

• Some inflammatory and functional disorders

These treatments use very low and precisely targeted doses.

Advanced Radiotherapy Technologies at I D Cancer Centre

At our centre, radiation treatment is delivered using internationally recommended, high-precision techniques to ensure maximum tumour control with minimal side effects.

✔ IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)

Highly conformal, tailored treatment ideal for head & neck, breast, pelvic, and prostate cancers.

✔ VMAT / Rapid Arc Therapy

Fast treatment with excellent normal-tissue sparing.

✔ IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)

Daily imaging ensures millimetre-level accuracy.

✔ SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy)

High-dose, highly focused treatment for lung, liver, spine, pancreas, adrenal and prostate lesions.

✔ SRS/SRT (Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Radiotherapy)

Single-session or short-course high precision treatment for brain tumours.

✔ Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART)

Treatment plan is refined daily as the tumour changes during therapy, ensuring top-level accuracy.

✔ Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)

Delivers radiation from inside the tumour; ideal for cervical, endometrial, prostate and selected breast cancers.

Common Side Effects of Radiotherapy

Most side effects are mild, temporary, and manageable. They depend on the area being treated and usually improve after treatment ends.

General Side Effects

• Tiredness

• Skin redness or tanning

• Mild swelling

• Hair loss only in the treated area

Area-Specific Side Effects

• Head & Neck: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing

• Chest: Mild cough or skin sensitivity

• Abdomen/Pelvis: Loose motions, nausea, urinary irritation

• Brain: Fatigue, mild headache

Our team provides diet plans, skin care advice, medicines, and close follow-up to reduce discomfort.

Why Choose I D Cancer Centre for Radiotherapy?

1. Expert Care by Dr. Sunil Kumar

Trained at SGPGIMS, with rich experience in advanced radiotherapy planning and delivery.

2. Latest Radiotherapy Technology

IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, SBRT, SRS, Adaptive Radiotherapy & Brachytherapy—all under one roof.

3. International Treatment Protocols

Evidence-based, safe, and personalised planning for every patient.

4. Precision Planning & Quality Assurance

Daily imaging, physics checks, modern treatment planning systems, and strict QA standards.

5. Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and surgery coordinated seamlessly.

6. Patient-Friendly Environment

Comfortable treatment rooms, helpful staff, minimal waiting time, and continuous support.

7. Affordable, Accessible, Ethical Care

High-quality cancer treatment at transparent and patient-friendly cost.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy is a powerful, safe, and essential treatment option in modern cancer care. At I D Cancer Centre, Lucknow, we combine advanced technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to provide the highest standard of radiotherapy for both malignant and non-malignant diseases.

You are not alone. Our team is here to guide you at every step—from diagnosis to complete recovery.