Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology is a branch of medicine that uses radiation to treat cancer. Doctors who specialize in this field manage the use of radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Radiation oncology specialists plan and administer radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells or control their growth.

Radiation therapy, which has an important place in cancer treatment, is one of the three basic pillars of treatment, along with surgery and chemotherapy. In recent years, developing technologies have made radiotherapy more sensitive and effective. The Elekta Versa HD at our hospital is the first of these technological developments. is a groundbreaking radiotherapy device in cancer treatment.

Why is radiotherapy performed?

Radiotherapy can be used for many different purposes:

1. To shrink or destroy tumors: Radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, killing them or stopping them from growing.
2. To shrink tumors before surgery: Radiotherapy administered before surgery, it helps to shrink the tumor and makes the surgical procedure easier.
3. To prevent the risk of recurrence after surgery: It prevents recurrence of the disease by destroying cancer cells that cannot be removed with surgery or that are at risk of growing back.
4. Relieve pain and symptoms: It improves the quality of life of patients by relieving pain and other symptoms caused by tumors.

What Methods Are Used in Radiation Oncology?

There are two main methods used in radiation therapy to destroy or shrink cancer cells:

1. External Beam Therapy:
   • High-energy beams are directed at the tumor using linear accelerators.
2. Internal Radiation Therapy:
   • Radioactive substances are placed directly into the tumor or near the tumor through needles or catheters implanted into the tissue.

The method chosen depends on factors such as the type, stage, and location of the tumor and the patient's general health.

What are the Procedures Performed in Radiation Oncology?

The following radiotherapy techniques are applied in our hospital to target and destroy cancerous cells:

• IMRT: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy
• VMAT: Volumetric arc therapy
• SRS: Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumors
• SBRT: Stereotactic radiotherapy for tumors in other parts of the body
• IGRT: Imaging
• TBI: Whole body irradiation

The Elekta Versa HD device offers high sensitivity, shorter treatment times, fewer side effects and special treatment options for mobile tumors.

Which Cancers Can Be Treated?

Radiotherapy is used in the treatment of many types of cancer. The most commonly treated cancers are:

• Brain tumors
• Head and neck cancers
• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectum cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bone cancer
• Soft tissue cancers

What are the side effects of radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy can cause some side effects. Side effects depend on the area treated, the radiation dose, and the patient's general health. Most side effects are temporary and go away after treatment. Common side effects include:

• Fatigue: Weakness and loss of energy may occur.
• Skin Problems: Redness, irritation, itching and peeling may occur.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Especially seen with radiotherapy administered to the abdominal area.
• Diarrhea: May occur with treatments administered to the abdomen and pelvis.
• Mouth Sores: Sores may occur in the mouth and throat area.
• Hair Loss: Hair loss may occur in the applied area.

Less common side effects:

• Headache and dizziness
• Weight loss
• Depression and anxiety
• Reproductive problems

Your doctor may recommend supportive treatments to manage these side effects.

What are Radiotherapy Institution Agreements?

We have agreements with all private insurances, public institutions and SGK in radiotherapy applications. You can contact us to get detailed information about treatment fees. Our competent specialists will assist you in ensuring that your treatment is carried out in accordance with the scope of SGK. You can access detailed information about radiotherapy procedures and prices from our institution.

Please contact our hospital to get more information about radiation oncology and radiotherapy or to make an appointment.