BHOPAL: A new radiation machine with an ability to reduce time patients spend on treatment has been introduced in a city hospital. The not-for-profit hospital caters to BPL and other patients covered under various government health schemes. Halcyon radiation therapy system, worth around Rs 15 crore has been installed at Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer hospital (JNCH), said radiologist Dr Rakesh Mahawar. "It is the second such machine in India after it was installed in Rajkot. It is precise and radiotherapy can be done in a minute," he said.
Therapeutic radiation delivered to cancer patients can have adverse effects on nearby tissues. With the new equipment, the therapy is targeted. For instance, in the case of tongue cancer, substantial damage to other tissues or areas can be avoided using this machine, he explained.
Estimated treatment cost ranges from about Rs 1lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh for complete treatment course. "It delivers a precise, tightly focused radiation that conforms to shape of your tumour while minimising impact on surrounding healthy tissue," he said.
Dr Mahawar was speaking on sidelines of a CME organised by JNCH and Gandhi Medical College (GMC) on consensus for common controversies and recent advances in head, neck and gynaecological cancers.