Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

RCC goes in for upgradation

C. Maya

New device to help in detecting cancerous tumours; to be commissioned next week

BIG LEAP: The Linear Accelerator machine which helps deliver the computer-aided 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy treatment system at the Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: S. Mahinsha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Regional Cancer Centre is introducing a computer-aided treatment planning system for radiotherapy, called three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), which is one of the latest advances in the treatment of cancerous tumours.

The system, which will be commissioned next week, is part of the major upgradation in treatment facilities planned by the RCC, which proposes to introduce modern treatment equipment and diagnostic devices worth Rs.12 crores this year.

The two state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machines acquired by the RCC will deliver 3D conformal radiation therapy and eventually phase out the conventional radiotherapy machine which uses the isotope Cobalt 60 to deliver radiation to tumour cells.

Radiotherapy is the technique of using ionising radiation to destroy malignant tumours. In conventional radiotherapy, a lot of normal tissues surrounding the tumours also get destroyed during the treatment, creating a lot of side effects for the patients.

In 3DCRT, images given by a CT scan or MRI are fed to a computer and a special software enables doctors to view tumours in three dimensions. The computer will design radiation beams in such a manner that it conforms to the shape of the tumour and thus helps save the surrounding healthy tissues.

"3DCRT is used especially to treat tumours which are deep-seated or are situated near sensitive organs of the body like the spinal cord. The computer will plan the dose and the `fields' of radiation so that only the tumours receive radiation. This makes the treatment more precise and there is a better chance of destroying tumours completely with minimum side effects to patients," says Raghuram. K. Nair, head of Radiation Physics, RCC. The technology is especially useful in the treatment of head and neck cancers and prostate cancer. The treatment is more expensive than conventional radiotherapy, but has less morbidity.

The new LINAC machine and the software, costing Rs.2.3 crores was purchased using a grant from the Centre. The radiographers, clinicians and technicians who will be part of the medical team are currently undergoing training, because 3DCRT requires extensive and meticulous planning. Quality control testing measures are also on to ensure that Atomic Energy Regulation Board's regulations are met.

The 3DCRT facility will be formally commissioned by the Health Minister next week. This facility is currently available only in select private hospitals in the country. The LINAC machine is also capable of delivering Intensity Modulated Radio Therapy (IMRT), which the RCC plans to introduce in another year. The other new equipment already acquired by the RCC include a new mammogram and mammotone for breast cancer treatment, gamma camera, new 16 slide CT scanner, CT simulator and laparoscopic surgery machines.

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