Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 22: More than 125 prostate cancer patients have been treated at HCG Cancer Hospital Mumbai using Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) on the advanced Versa HD radiation platform, the hospital said.
Selected patients have also received highly precise SBRT using CyberKnife, a robotic radiation delivery system. The hospital said the treatments have been used for appropriately selected patients across different prostate cancer risk categories, offering an alternative to surgery depending on factors including age, cancer stage, risk category, overall health and individual treatment requirements.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), India recorded an estimated 37,948 new prostate cancer cases in 2022. The number is projected to reach around 82,252 cases annually by 2045, highlighting the growing need for awareness of prostate cancer and available treatment options.
SBRT delivers a highly focused radiation dose to the tumour while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy organs. For suitable patients, the treatment can be completed in five sessions, generally on an outpatient basis.
Unlike surgery, SBRT does not involve an incision or removal of the prostate. Patients generally do not require hospital admission and can return home after each treatment session, the hospital said.
HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba, has Mumbai's first and only CyberKnife platform, according to the hospital. CyberKnife combines robotic precision with advanced image guidance to deliver focused radiation while accounting for the movement of internal organs during treatment.
Dr Trinanjan Basu, HOD and Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospitals, Mumbai, said many patients believe surgery is the only treatment available for prostate cancer, but advanced radiation treatments such as SBRT can be considered for appropriately selected patients.
“Every patient is different. We consider the patient's age, stage of cancer, risk category, overall health and personal preferences before recommending treatment,” Basu said.
He said advanced image guidance and the Versa HD platform allow radiation to be delivered with precision while protecting nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum. According to Basu, suitable patients can complete treatment in five sessions, which may be particularly useful for elderly patients and those who may not be ideal candidates for surgery.
HCG Mumbai said it has treated patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer, as well as selected patients with metastatic disease. Most patients treated were between 60 and 75 years of age, while around 20 patients were between 75 and 85 years.
Rupesh Choubey, Regional COO, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd (Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh), said HCG has more than 35 years of experience in cancer care and operates a dedicated cancer hospital network.
He said technologies such as Versa HD and CyberKnife are supported by multidisciplinary teams comprising oncology specialists, medical physicists and radiation therapists. He added that appropriate patient selection, clinical expertise and precise treatment planning are important alongside technology in providing personalised cancer care.
Avik Chauhan, Cluster COO, HCG Cancer Hospitals, Mumbai, said treating more than 125 prostate cancer patients with advanced radiation therapy was an important milestone for the hospital.
The hospital said its radiation oncology services combine advanced platforms with specialist expertise to provide less invasive treatment options for suitable patients.
Patients also shared their experiences of undergoing radiation treatment. Ashok Thusu said he initially believed that a prostate cancer diagnosis would mean surgery and a prolonged hospital stay. After discussions with doctors at HCG, he said he was informed that he was suitable for a treatment that did not require surgery and was able to return home after each radiation session.
Another patient, Dr Shailesh Pathak, said he had been concerned about surgery, pain and becoming dependent on his family. He said doctors explained that his treatment could be completed without an operation or prolonged hospitalisation and that the medical team supported him throughout the treatment.
The hospital said the milestone is aimed at increasing awareness that surgery is not the only treatment option for prostate cancer. Treatment decisions can involve surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or a combination of approaches, depending on the individual patient's condition.
HCG Cancer Hospital Mumbai provides multidisciplinary cancer care supported by diagnostic, surgical and radiation technologies. Its radiation oncology services include Versa HD, image-guided radiation therapy, SBRT and CyberKnife.