CyberKnife has not experienced a widespread adoption in India? What is the reason for that?
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Dr John R Adler
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The cost of CyberKnife combined with the length of treatment, which relates to utilisation, are challenges in the Indian market. Moreover the field of image-guided radiosurgery is new and many physicians are not yet adequately trained in this discipline, both in India and around the world.
You met Indian radiation oncologists and surgeons at the event, what is your impression of the radio oncology work in India?
Indian radiation oncology is up and coming. As the physician community gets experience with the newest generation of radiation equipment I expect India to become a leader in many areas of radiation oncology.
Any outstanding clinical work that has caught your attention?
The volume of cancer patients being treated with radiation therapy and the extremely low cost of such treatment is quite notable.
What are the new technologies in the radio-onco space?
The newest equipment enables more accurate and faster treatment of a broad range of cancers. Meanwhile, ever improving information systems are helping to disseminate best practices between all doctors.
Why are technologies in this space so costly?
The equipment is still quite large and exceptionally complex. In addition, one does not get the advantages of mass production the way one would with disposable catheters, where literally tens of millions of the later might be used every year. The worldwide installed base of linear accelerators is only a little more than 10,000. However, when one spreads the capital cost of initial installation of a complex radiation therapy system over a lifetime in a very busy clinic, the cost of the equipment per patient can be as little as a few hundreds of dollars. Radiation is very cost effective despite the cost of equipment. One machine does the work of a small hospital!
Is there a possibility of an Indian chapter of Cyber Knife Society?
Although there are not enough CyberKnifes to justify such an organisation there should be an Indian Society of Radiosurgery.
What is your advice to budding surgeons venturing into radio-oncology?
Do it! Seriously, surgeons have a lot to offer the field of radiation oncology because of their training and philosophy, and their capacity to deal with any potential patient complications.