Radiotherapy can be used to treat many different types of cancer.
Radiotherapy works by destroying the DNA inside cancer cells, preventing them from reproducing and so shrinking cancerous tumours. Normal cells will also be affected but they are better able to repair themselves.
It can be administered as either external radiotherapy from outside the body using x-rays, or from within the body as internal radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy can be give as a treatment to:
It can also be given as a palliative measure to:
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relieve pain
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minimise symptoms
There are three radiation therapies regularly performed at Bupa Cromwell Hospital.
TomoTherapy
TomoTherapy is one of the most advanced, integrated cancer treatment systems available. Using this system the physician can check the location of a patient's tumour before each treatment, then deliver painless and precise radiation therapy based on a carefully customised plan.
Gamma Knife
Gamma Knife is regarded as the most effective treatment for single and multiple brain metastases, which can occur as ‘secondaries’ in patients with melanoma, breast and lung cancers. Despite the use of the term knife, the treatment is actually non-invasive and is a form of radio surgery.
Gulmay Therapy
Gulmay Therapy uses low energy (orthovoltage) X-rays to treat both malignant and non-malignant (benign) conditions on the skin and in the bone.
For further information on cancer treatment at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, please go to our Cancer Centre page.
