Radiation oncology
Radiation oncologists use carefully aimed radiation to destroy cancer cells or relieve symptoms. Treatment is planned on scans and is often given daily over several weeks. Cancer treatment depends on the exact type and stage; only your oncology team can say what applies to you.
What this department covers
- Curative radiation, alone or with chemotherapy
- Precise single or few-session treatments
- Radiation after surgery
- Relief of pain from spread to bone or brain
Procedures and treatments (6)
Open any procedure to see how it usually works, what recovery involves, typical planning ranges and what to ask your doctor.
IMRT and VMAT radiation therapy
Radiation shaped to the tumour so that nearby healthy tissue receives less dose.
Read the planning guide Ongoing therapyImage-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
Scans taken before each session make sure the radiation hits the exact target.
Read the planning guide Ongoing therapyStereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife or CyberKnife)
Very precise, high-dose radiation delivered in one to five sessions to a small target, often in the brain or spine.
Read the planning guide Ongoing therapyProton beam therapy
A form of radiation that deposits most energy at a set depth, which may spare tissue behind the tumour.
Read the planning guide Ongoing therapyBrachytherapy
A radiation source is placed inside or next to the tumour, delivering a high dose to a small area.
Read the planning guide Ongoing therapyStereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
High-dose, precisely aimed radiation to tumours in the body such as lung, liver or spine, in a few sessions.
Read the planning guidePlanning points for radiation oncology
- Many courses involve daily visits for 1–7 weeks, which affects how long you must stay.
- Bring your scans on disc and any previous radiation records.
- Ask whether the full course can be done near home after planning.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the aim of radiation in my case?
- How many sessions, and over how long?
- What side effects should I expect during and after?
- Is a specialised technique needed, or will standard treatment do?
How planning with Prognova works
- A free planning callA non-medical conversation about what you are considering, your timing and practical questions.
- Doctor review of your recordsYou share your reports with a doctor, who tells you whether the care you have in mind is likely to be suitable.
- A written estimateAfter review you receive an itemised estimate. Nothing is charged until you accept it.
- Travel and stay planningWe get you a visa invitation letter from the hospital, and help with arrival, accommodation, local transport, language support and a companion's needs.
- Follow-up when you are homeWe help arrange records, check-ups and continuing care with your own doctor.
Prognova coordinates logistics and information. Doctors decide diagnosis and treatment. A department listed here does not mean a doctor or hospital is available for it today.