Jupiter Hospital, a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital, has introduced latest radiotherapy equipment linear accelerator with IMRT and IGRT for cancer patients. With this, the hospital is claimed to have become the first to use the radiotherapy for treatment of cancer patients. It also announced the opening of its new Oncology Department.

The linear accelerator delivers high intensity x-rays to destroy tumour cells. The equipment will help doctors to conduct image guided therapy on cancer patients in Mumbai, Thane and neighbouring areas.

With its high degree of accuracy the machine can produce and deliver radiation with precision that was previously unavailable – accuracy down to a millimetre with minimal damage to healthy tissues surrounding it. This technology promises maximal benefits with minimal side effects.

For better delivery, the linear accelerators at Jupiter Hospital will be able to interface with the computers to create advanced targeted radiation therapy treatments such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT).

The other cancer treatment equipment that the hospital acquired is dual source brachytherapy unit, which is used in delivering internal radiation therapy. This modality of treatment is used in gynaecological cancers, head and neck, breast cancers and muscles tumours (Soft Tissue Cancers).

Dr Ajay Thakker, chairman & CEO, Jupiter Hospital said “Though this is the first IGRT/IMRT system it is not going to be the last. We are absolutely sure that all major hospitals will adapt to this newer technology and in future no treatment delivery would be without image guidance.”

According to Dr Manish Chandra, radiation oncologist, Jupiter Hospital,
“One of the leading cancers in India is tobacco related cancer and it mainly affects the mouth and lungs. Conventional radiotherapy in these cases cause dryness of mouth as a side effect of radiation therapy, but IG-IMRT technique will ensure a much controlled dose to salivary glands to reduce the dryness.”

Dr R L Bhalavat, radiation oncologist, Jupiter Hospital emphasised on the role of brachytherapy, which is now available in Jupiter Hospital, in organ preservation in head and neck cancers. Brachytherapy can be used in early cheek, tongue and lip cancers to preserve the functionality and cosmetic result with good outcome.

The IGRT / IMRT technique will deliver maximum dose to the target volume and provide dose constrains to the adjoining normal organs. This will be achieved by immobilizing the patient in the desired position, doing a CT scan and 3 D reconstruction on treatment planning system.

It will also define the target region and critical structure in all slices, followed by positioning of beams at various angles to achieve the desired dose distribution.

IG-IMRT technology can be used in treating most of the cancers. The technique can kills the cancer cells and protect healthy tissue of a patient with increased accuracy.

The Jupiter Hospital began its operation in Oct. 2007 with an aim to complement the existing Medical facility of Thane.