Cancer diagnosis can only lead to death, is still a persistent fear amongst people. Given the increased rate of cancer diagenesis and its morbidity, this fear is legitimate, making it nothing short of a 'nightmare'. However, recovery from cancer is also very much possible. With timely detection and appropriate treatment, cancer can be conquered. Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy - are some of the viable treatments for cancer. But even then, complete recovery often remains a challenge. With cutting-edge technology, particularly AI or artificial intelligence, this challenge can be overcome, and cancer can be completely vanquished. MR Linac has revolutionized cancer treatment.
This state-of-the-art machine called MR Linac is used to administer radiation to cancer patients. The advantage of radiation delivery with this machine is that it destroys only cancer cells. Healthy cells are usually unaffected by this type of radiation therapy. MR Linac is capable of delivering radiation with precision only to the area where the tumor is located.
Often tumor developments are prone to unpredictability and rapid changes. This is where the MR Linac machine comes in. This machine observes the tumor's movement before initiating radiation. In other words, a single machine performs both MRI and radiation tasks. Moreover, this machine is capable of completely eradicating breast and cervical cancers in women and prostate cancer in men. It also aids in recovery from various cancers such as lung, esophageal, liver, and pancreatic.
India's first and only MR Linac is located at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad. Dr. Pradeep Karumanchi, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at the hospital, says, "This machine has significantly simplified cancer treatment. Patients are becoming cancer free with this machine, and that too in just 5 days." The MR Linac is non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery treatment. The only difference between conventional treatment and the MR Linac is the treatment time. Treatment using this machine can take as low as just 5 sessions. No surgery is required, and the patient experiences no pain. Dr. Pradeep has also stated that this treatment has no side effects.
This machine is not the universal answer to all sorts of cancer. Doctors recommend MR Linac radiosurgery only after assessment of the cancer stage along with other complications. However, countless people have already benefited from this radiosurgery and are currently living cancer-free lives. However, this machine doesn't guarantee that cancer won't return in the future. According to Dr. Pradeep's words, "Currently, cancer has increased due to our uncontrolled lifestyle and polluted environment. Whether cancer will recur depends on the nature of the cancer, genes, and other factors."
Cancer treatment is quite expensive. Treatment with MR Linac is also quite costly. Although the number of radiosurgery sessions required depends on the cancer stage and the patient's condition. The cost varies from patient to patient. However, with MR Linac radiosurgery, patients don't need to be hospitalized. Additionally, Yashoda Hospital offers discounts on treatment costs considering the patient's financial condition. Nevertheless, MR Linac radiosurgery can cost a minimum of 6 lakh.
