On National Cancer Awareness Day, Manikandan Bala, Managing Director-India & Senior Vice President-Intercontinental, Elekta talks about the key trends in radiation therapy in India and highlights that radiation therapy may help meet different treatment goals
The National Cancer Registry Programme Report, released by The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Informatics & Research (NCDIR), reveals that cancer cases in the country are likely to increase to 15.7 lakh by 2025, based on current trends.
In this context, it’s essential to recognise that radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a medical treatment that uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells; it one of three primary modalities used to treat cancer. This modality can be used to treat almost every type of cancer. Furthermore, it is also an effective treatment option for certain non-cancerous conditions, such as benign tumors. In India, the five most common cancers are lung, oral, cervical, breast, and stomach cancer, all of which are regularly treated using radiation therapy. Additionally, gynaecological, prostate, and breast cancers are often treated using brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, which involves placing radioactive sources inside the body to deliver radiation directly to the tumour.
Moreover, radiation therapy may help meet different treatment goals. For example, it may enhance the effectiveness of surgery, help prevent the spread of cancer, or relieve symptoms of advanced cancer. Within this field, two primary types of radiation therapy stand out: external beam radiation and internal radiation.
Furthermore, when we look at the broader landscape, several key trends are significantly shaping the field of radiation therapy in India and worldwide.
First and foremost, technological advancements are at the forefront. Innovations such as the integration of advanced imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with radiation therapy machines enable real-time imaging during treatment, which greatly enhances precision in targeting tumors. In particular, MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) represents a groundbreaking advancement that focuses on improving patient outcomes, treatment accuracy, and the overall quality of care. Its real-time imaging and adaptive capabilities allow for personalised treatment plans that can be modified based on individual patient responses, ensuring the most effective therapy. Additionally, the use of advanced multi-modality imaging allows higher radiation doses to be delivered to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Secondly, personalised treatment approaches are gaining prominence. The use of advanced imaging techniques, genomic profiling, and molecular markers helps tailor treatment plans to the individual characteristics of each patient. Specialised apps for advanced digital patient monitoring and support have been developed to allow patients to communicate directly with their healthcare provider. This personalised approach enables better outcomes and reduced side effects.
Another noteworthy trend is hypofractionation, a treatment technique that delivers higher doses of radiation in fewer treatment sessions. This approach is gaining popularity as it improves patient convenience and reduces treatment times while maintaining comparable clinical effectiveness. For example, in case of prostate cancer, multiple global studies have shown that technology like hypofractionation, that is, delivering larger doses of radiation over shorter periods of time, can improve access to care and decrease the cost of treatment.
Efforts are underway to expand access to radiation therapy in India and other parts of the world. Organisations, professional bodies, and international institutions are collectively working on strategies to improve treatment options and reduce mortality rates.
Furthermore, the integration of oncology informatics is enhancing connectivity and data management in radiation therapy. This integration allows for better collaboration between treatment teams, seamless transfer of patient information, and data-driven decision-making.
These trends reflect the ongoing advancements and growing importance of radiation therapy in cancer care, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes, improve patient experience, and expand access to quality care.
As we look to the future of radiation therapy, it holds tremendous potential for technological enhancements, increasing mass customer adoption, and expanding scope. Advancements in imaging technology, automation, AI, and particle therapy are expected to revolutionise the field.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the adoption level of radiation therapy in India remains relatively low compared to developed countries. There are only 0.4 radiation therapy units per million people in India, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 1 unit per million people. India’s situation is due to a number of factors, including the high cost of radiation therapy, the lack of skilled clinicians, and the limited availability of radiation therapy facilities in rural areas.
Looking ahead, future enhancements could include even more precise imaging capabilities, integrated artificial intelligence for treatment planning, and improved patient positioning and tracking. The advancements made in MR-Linac technology not only benefit patients undergoing specialised treatments but also have the potential to reshape the landscape of radiation therapy as a whole, influencing treatment protocols and outcomes for a broader range of patients treated with conventional linacs.
Mass customer adoption of radiation therapy will be driven by factors such as increasing cancer incidence, growing awareness, and improved infrastructure. As we move forward, we look forward to the continued expansion of radiation therapy, driven by increasing cancer incidence, rising awareness, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. The journey ahead promises not only to improve the quality of care but also to provide hope and healing to countless individuals in need.
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