Light of Day Radiation Oncology Center

Light of Day Radiation Oncology Center

“Does radiation therapy hurt?” is one of the most frequently asked questions before undergoing radiation therapy.

Inside the Radiation Oncology Center on the B2 Floor of MedPark Hospital

Currently, radiation therapy is not as intimidating as its name might suggest. Exposure to therapeutic radiation beams does not induce pain. Any side effects from the therapy are temporary and typically subside within 1 to 2 months. Furthermore, radiation therapy is a remarkably safe and precise treatment modality characterized by a brief treatment duration, short recovery time, and effective results. Additionally, this method minimizes harm to neighboring cells and organs. Crucially, the radiation does not linger in the body, allowing patients to resume their daily activities confidentially without any safety concerns.

The Radiation Oncology Center at MedPark Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive treatment services for various types of cancer, including but not limited to brain cancer, oral cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, non-cancerous conditions such as benign brain tumors. The center goes beyond standard treatment by offering additional services like keloid prevention, holistic care, and consultations for physical and mental well-being throughout the treatment process.

These services are administered by a team of specialists with a thorough understanding of the needs of patients and over 40 years of collective experience, complemented by a skilled and expert medical staff. Together, they develop safe and precise treatment plans, ensuring that patients and their families are well-informed and involved in decision-making right from the beginning of the treatment journey. Closely scheduled follow-up checkups proactively monitor and address any potential acute complications.

A team of radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists

Why the Radiation Oncology Center at MedPark Hospital

Our Radiation Oncology Center boasts a team of seasoned radiation oncologists and a comprehensive multidisciplinary group of specialists, including medical physicists, radiologic technologists, and radiation oncology nurses, all working collaboratively. This cohesive team ensures holistic care and seamless cooperation with physicians in various fields, which includes oncologists, urological surgeons, breast surgeons specializing in breast clinic services, and physiatrists.

Together, this collective expertise ensures the delivery of precise treatment aligned with a carefully crafted treatment plan and patient expectations. The collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of the treatment and contributes to overall patient satisfaction with the outcomes.

Before the commencement of the treatment course, physicians and the medical staff will convene a meeting to determine the most appropriate radiation modality for each patient.   In this collaborative session, patients and their families will receive comprehensive information about the disease, treatment guidelines, advantages and disadvantages, and potential side effects of each treatment modality.

This transparent and informative discussion empowers patients to make informed decisions regarding their treatment. By providing a thorough understanding of the available options, patients can actively participate in selecting the modality that aligns best with their individual needs and preferences.

A radiation oncologist conducts thorough assessments before and after each treatment session, ensuring patients receive precise and appropriate care throughout treatment. This meticulous evaluation process is integral to maintaining the accuracy and effectiveness of the treatment, as it allows for continuous monitoring and adjustments to meet the needs of each patient.

Cutting-edge, high-efficiency machinery enhances the effectiveness and precision of treatments at our facility. The CT simulator, featuring a spacious gantry aperture, ensures patient comfort during procedures, particularly benefiting individuals with claustrophobia. The advanced technology of two linear accelerators (LINAC) and one brachytherapy after loader empowers radiation oncologists to deliver precise treatments for cancerous and non-cancerous conditions with remarkable accuracy and efficacy.

The medical equipment and technologies installed at the Radiation Oncology Center are well-suited for the current patient loads and allow for future service expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades. This forward-looking approach ensures that the center remains equipped to provide state-of-the-art care to a growing number of patients while staying abreast of advancements in medical technology.

The center entrance adjoining the carpark

The Radiation Oncology Center prioritizes the comfort and privacy of our patients by offering reserved parking spaces, dedicated inpatient elevators, and private waiting rooms. These thoughtful amenities ensure that the treatment journey of radiation patients through the center is highly comfortable and attended to with a high level of privacy.

Diseases and Conditions

Every type of cancer is categorized by site of origin, including:

• Head and neck cancers such as brain cancer, laryngeal cancer, oral cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer, salivary gland cancer, etc.
• Breast cancer, lung cancer, mediastinal cancer, etc. 
• Gastrointestinal cancers such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, etc.
• Genitourinary cancers, such as bladder and kidney cancer. 
• Skin cancer, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Prostate cancer
• Gynecologic cancers, such as cervical cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancer.
• Benign brain tumors.
• Keloid
• Palliative therapy for metastatic lesions.

Diagnostic imaging performed by radiation oncologists at the Radiation Oncology Center

Tests and procedures

• Treatment for every type of cancer
• Treatment for prostate cancer
• Treatment for metastases
• Treatment for brain tumors
• Treatment for keloids

Elekta Versa HD™, a teletherapy machine

Specialties

• Teletherapy machines play a pivotal role in various imaging and treatment procedures, including 3D and 4D imaging, as well as techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated radiation therapy (VMAT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and radiosurgery and radiotherapy (SRS, SRT, and SBRT). Before these machines are employed, a radiation oncologist conducts a meticulous accuracy test.
  This test ensures that the radiation is suitable for the specific type of cancer under treatment and precisely administered to the targeted position of the cancer. Crucially, the process minimizes any potential impact on nearby healthy cells. This commitment to accuracy and precision reflects our dedication to providing effective and patient-centered radiation therapy.
• High Dose Rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy using Ir-192 does not impact sexual function. This form of treatment offers several advantages, particularly for older patients. It is minimally invasive, ensuring a gentler approach. The precise delivery of radiation minimizes side effects, and the treatment features a short duration and recovery period. Additionally, compared to surgical alternatives, prostate brachytherapy tends to result in better bladder control. These benefits make it a favorable option for individuals seeking effective prostate cancer treatment with minimal impact on their overall well-being.
• Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) is a technique specifically designed for patients with left breast cancer and lung cancer. It involves monitoring body movement during breathing. A physician guides patients through a simulated treatment, assisting them in practicing breathing control before the actual radiation session. This technique enhances the precision of treatment delivery, significantly reducing the potential impact on the heart and ensuring a more accurate and targeted approach to radiation therapy for improved outcomes.
• Stereotactic radiation therapy for metastatic cancer employs multiple radiation shields to accurately guide radiation beams to a cancerous tumor during palliative treatment. This advanced technique shields healthy tissues from receiving excessive radiation, thereby minimizing the potential impact of radiation on adjacent organs. This precision not only enhances the effectiveness of the treatment but also contributes to the overall well-being of the patient by safeguarding surrounding healthy tissues.

Inside the Radiation Oncology Center

Radiotherapy procedure

• Medical history is taken.
• Health assessment is made before treatment planning.
• NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) treatment guidelines are explained to patients and their families to choose the most suitable treatment modalities according to their preferences.
• CT Simulation for radiation therapy planning. 
• Radiation therapy is delivered under attentive care from a multidisciplinary team of medical staff and radiotherapy specialists until treatment completion.  
• Observe for after-treatment complications such as skin inflammation and digestive and urinary tract problems and receive immediate medical attention if any occur.
• A nurse makes a telephone follow-up call one week after the course is over.
• Scheduling post-treatment follow-up appointments to check for recurrence.

Contact (for post-treatment care)

• Contact staff at the Radiation Oncology Center for post-treatment instructions and consultations about symptoms by calling Tel. 02-090-3085 or via LINE: RTMedPark (from 08.00 - 16.00). 
• In case of emergency, contact the Emergency Department at MedPark Hospital by calling Tel. 02-090-3119 (24 hours). 

Related Packages

• Radiotherapy package for Keloid Prevention
• Radiotherapy package for Breast Cancer
• Radiotherapy package for Palliation