Overview: What is IGRT?

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is an advanced form of radiation treatment that uses imaging technology to guide and deliver precise radiation doses to a tumor. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, IGRT allows doctors to see the tumor in real-time before and during each treatment session, ensuring that radiation is accurately targeted while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

IGRT is especially beneficial for tumors that:

• Move during treatment (due to breathing or natural organ motion)
• Are located near critical organs
• Are difficult to detect without advanced imaging

By using daily imaging (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI) before delivering radiation, oncologists can adjust the patient’s position and beam angles, improving accuracy and treatment outcomes.

How IGRT Works

1. Patient Positioning – The patient lies on the treatment table in a specific position using immobilization devices to ensure accuracy.
2. Imaging Before Treatment – High-quality images are taken to verify tumor location and size.
3. Comparison with Planning Images – Images are compared with the original treatment plan to check for any shifts in tumor position.
4. Adjustments – If the tumor has shifted due to breathing, weight loss, or organ movement, adjustments are made before radiation is delivered.
5. Radiation Delivery – High-energy beams are directed precisely at the tumor, sparing healthy tissues.

Conditions Treated with IGRT

IGRT can be used for various cancers, especially when high precision is required. Common applications include:

• Brain Tumors (including benign and malignant)
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Prostate Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Gynecological Cancers (Cervical, Endometrial)
• Spinal Tumors

Benefits of IGRT

• High Accuracy – Real-time imaging ensures radiation is targeted exactly to the tumor.
• Better Tumor Control – Higher doses can be delivered without increasing side effects.
• Reduced Damage to Healthy Tissues – Lowers risk of complications in nearby organs.
• Fewer Side Effects – Less damage to healthy cells results in quicker recovery.
• Adaptability – Treatment plans can be modified mid-course if tumor size or shape changes.
  

IGRT vs. Conventional Radiation Therapy

Procedure Duration

• Treatment Planning – 1–2 days (includes scans and simulations)
• Each IGRT Session – Typically 15–30 minutes

Number of Sessions – Usually 5–8 weeks of daily sessions (Monday–Friday), depending on cancer type and stage.

Possible Side Effects of IGRT

While IGRT reduces side effects compared to conventional radiation, some temporary effects may still occur:

• Fatigue
• Mild skin irritation
• Temporary hair loss in treated area
• Nausea (if abdomen is treated)
• Difficulty swallowing (for head and neck cancers)
  

Most side effects are manageable and resolve after treatment completion.

Why Choose India for IGRT?

• Advanced Radiation Oncology Centers with modern imaging and precision systems.
• Highly Skilled Radiation Oncologists trained internationally.
• Affordable Pricing compared to global standards.
• Medical Tourism Support – Visa, travel, and accommodation assistance.
• Quick Access to Treatment – Minimal waiting periods.
  

Conclusion

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) represents a major leap in cancer care, allowing doctors to deliver highly targeted radiation with minimal damage to healthy tissues. In India, patients benefit from world-class technology, expert oncologists, and affordable costs, making IGRT an excellent option for those seeking precision cancer treatment.
Whether for complex, moving tumors or cancers near vital organs, IGRT offers improved outcomes, fewer side effects, and faster recovery, giving patients the best chance for successful treatment.

Top Hospitals for IGRT – Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

Below are the list of the top hospitals that are known for IGRT – Image-Guided Radiation Therapy procedures:

Apollo Hospital Mumbai

Established in: 1983

Number of Beds: 500

Multi Specialty

Location: Mumbai

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Saifee Hospital Mumbai

Established in: 1948

Number of Beds: 257

Multi Specialty

Location: Mumbai

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Columbia Asia Hospital Bangalore

Established in: 2014

Number of Beds: 150

Super Specialty

Location: Bangalore

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MGM Hospital, chennai

Established in: 2016

Number of Beds: 400

Multi Specialty

Location: Chennai

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Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital Noida

Established in: 2013

Number of Beds: 1200

Super Specialty

Location: Noida

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MIOT International Hospital, Chennai

Established in: 1999

Number of Beds: 1000

Multi Specialty

Location: Chennai, India

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Fortis Hospital, Bangalore (Bannerghatta Road)

Established in: 2006

Number of Beds: 284

Multi Specialty

Location: Bangalore

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PSRI hospital, Saket

Established in: 1996

Number of Beds: 106

Multi Specialty

Location: saket, New Delhi

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Medicover Hospital HiTec City Hyderabad

Established in: 2011

Number of Beds: 250

Super Specialty

Location: Hyderabad

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Gleneagles Global Hospital Parel Mumbai

Established in: 1996

Number of Beds: 450

Multi Specialty

Location: Mumbai

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Top IGRT – Image-Guided Radiation Therapy Specialists

Surgical Oncologist View Profile

Dr. Kanchan Kaur

4.0

Experience: 17 years of experience

Education: Senior Consultant , MBBS, MS, MS

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Surgical Oncologist View Profile

Dr. Vivek Gupta

Saket, India

4.0

Experience: 27

Education: MBBS, MS, DNB

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Gynecologist and Obstetrician View Profile

Dr. Shveta Tyagi Giri

Delhi, India

4.0

Experience: 35

Education: MBBS, MS, Fellowship

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Radiation Oncologist View Profile

Dr. S Jayalakshmi

Gurgaon

4.0

Experience: 37

Education: MBBS, MD, DNB, Fellowship

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Surgical Oncologist View Profile

Dr. Biswajyoti Hazarika

Gurgaon

4.0

Experience: 20

Education: MBBS , MS , Fellowship

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Surgical Oncologist View Profile

Dr. Sabyasachi bal

New Delhi, India

4.0

Experience: 30

Education: MBBS, MS, DNB, FRCS

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Obesity and Bariatric Surgeon View Profile

Dr. Ajay Kumar Kriplani

4.0

Experience: 33 Years of Experience

Education: Director , MBBS, MS

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Surgical Oncologist View Profile

Dr. Vedant Kabra

Gurgaon

4.0

Experience: 29

Education: MBBS, MS. DNB MRCS(Edin), MNAMS, FIAGES

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Surgical Oncologist View Profile

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar

New Delhi

4.0

Experience: 15

Education: MBBS , MS , MCh, Fellowship

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Hematology Oncologist View Profile

Dr. Dharma Choudhary

Gurugram

4.0

Experience: 28

Education: MBBS, MD , DM, Fellowship

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Treatment Costs in India

IGRT Treatment Cost in India

The cost of IGRT in India varies based on cancer type, hospital, and city.
Estimated Cost Range:

• Per Session: ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 ($500 – $1,000)
• Complete Course: ₹2,40,000 – ₹4,80,000 ($3,000 – $6,000)
  

These costs are significantly lower compared to the US, UK, or Australia, making India a preferred destination for advanced cancer care.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

1. What is IGRT and how is it different from regular radiation therapy?
   IGRT is an advanced radiation therapy that uses daily imaging (X-rays, CT, or MRI) before and during each treatment session. This ensures the radiation beams are precisely targeted at the tumor, unlike conventional radiation therapy that relies on fixed positioning without daily imaging.
2. Who is a good candidate for IGRT?
   IGRT is ideal for patients with tumors located near vital organs, tumors that move due to breathing (like in the lungs), or cancers where high precision is essential, such as brain, prostate, and head and neck cancers.
3. How many sessions of IGRT will I need?
   The number of sessions depends on the type and stage of cancer. Most patients require daily treatments (Monday–Friday) for 5–8 weeks. Your oncologist will create a personalized schedule.
4. Is IGRT painful?
   No. IGRT is a painless, non-invasive procedure. You will only feel the treatment table and positioning devices. The imaging and radiation delivery cause no discomfort.
5. What types of cancers can be treated with IGRT?
   IGRT can treat many types of cancers, including brain tumors, prostate cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancers, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gynecological cancers, and spinal tumors.
6. How should I prepare for an IGRT session?
   Your care team may advise you to maintain a specific bladder or bowel condition before treatment (especially for prostate or pelvic cancers). Comfortable clothing and avoiding heavy meals before sessions are usually recommended.
7. What is the cost of IGRT in India?
   IGRT costs in India range between ₹2,40,000 and ₹4,80,000 ($3,000–$6,000) for a full course, making it more affordable compared to the US or UK, without compromising on quality.
8. Are there any side effects of IGRT?
   IGRT reduces side effects compared to older radiation methods, but some temporary effects like fatigue, mild skin irritation, nausea, or swallowing difficulty (depending on the treatment site) may still occur.
9. How accurate is IGRT?
   IGRT is one of the most accurate radiation methods available, often achieving sub-millimeter precision. This helps in protecting healthy tissues while delivering high doses to the tumor.
10. Can IGRT be combined with other treatments?
    Yes. IGRT is often used alongside surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.
11. Is IGRT available in all hospitals in India?
    No. IGRT requires specialized equipment and trained radiation oncologists, so it is mainly available in advanced cancer centers and tertiary care hospitals in major cities.