A state-of-the-art Advanced Centre for Radiation Oncology (ACRO), Mumbai's first Elekta precise digital linear accelerator with intensity modulated radiation and image guidance, was inaugurated at Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital recently.

The aim behind the ACRO was to set up a cancer centre within Nanavati Hospital so that all branches of oncology are made available under one roof to keep up with the technological changes in the world of oncology.

The computerised treatment planning system at Nanavati's ACRO would help doctors to plan the treatment in three dimensions instead of the two dimensional planning being used until now. The CT scan or MRI is taken and the image is input to the machine and contouring of structures is done to protect critical organs. The treatment can also be verified with the in vivo dosimetry technology so that the patients get what the experts plan to deliver.

"In addition to bringing in the best technology to the patients, Nanavati has deliberately kept the cost of the therapy to be the lowest available in the city so as to be able to reach out to maximum individuals," said Priyam Jhaveri, vice chairman, Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai,

Nanavati's Advanced Centre for Radiation Oncology is also designed to be extremely patient friendly, with a comforting environment with highly trained staff and pleasant interiors. Nanavati's ACRO also launched a cancer support group for patients where meetings are held among the patients and experts are available to clarify the concerns of the patients as well.

Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital has also installed Mumbai's first Elekta precise digital linear accelerator, an advanced system with two energy photons and multiple electrons, with intensity modulated radiation and image guidance.

"The Elekta machine helps in administration of Intensity Modulated Radio Therapy (IMRT) with image guidance and in vivo dosimeter. The system is connected to CT, MRI CAT scans for online image acquisition. This technology enables radiation oncologists to optimize and individualize the treatment," said Dr Nagraj Huilgol, chief radiation oncologist, Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital. "The special feature of this system is that the beams can be highly focused and redistributed within the tumour area in such a way that the most resistant part of the tumour can be attacked with the radiation".

In Elekta system radiation can be concentrated within one centimetre area so that sensitive tissues and organs near to the tumour are not affected by the radiations as far as possible making it a safer option than conventional radiation therapy.