What we have covered in this article:
- What is Proton Treatment?
- What are the advantages of Proton Treatment?
- What type of diseases Proton Treatment treats best?
- Tentative cost estimate for Proton Treatment in India
- Top Hospital in India for Proton Treatment
- Top Radiation Oncologists in India for Proton Treatment
- How we help international patients for treatment in India.
What is Proton Treatment?
Proton treatment is a cutting-edge form of radiation treatment that utilizes protons rather than traditional X-rays to treat cancer. Protons are positively charged particles that, when accelerated to high speeds, can target tumors with remarkable precision. Unlike conventional radiation, which passes through the body, proton treatment allows for a more controlled delivery of radiation, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Advantages of Proton Treatment
Proton treatment offers several significant benefits over traditional radiation treatments:
- Precision: The proton beam can be finely tuned to release the majority of its energy directly within the tumor, sparing adjacent healthy tissues and vital organs.
- Reduced Side Effects: Due to its targeted approach, proton treatment often results in fewer and less severe side effects compared to conventional radiation.
- Higher Doses: Physicians can administer higher doses of radiation directly to the tumor without increasing the risk to nearby healthy tissues, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
- Improved Quality of Life: Patients typically experience a better quality of life during and after treatment because of the reduced side effects and lower impact on healthy tissues.
Diseases Best Treated by Proton Treatment
Proton treatment is particularly effective for treating cancers where precision is crucial and where the tumor is located near vital structures. Some of the conditions that benefit most from proton treatment include:
- Pediatric Cancers: Children are particularly vulnerable to the long-term side effects of radiation, making proton treatment a preferred option.
- Brain and Spinal Tumors: The precision of proton treatment helps protect critical areas of the brain and spinal cord.
- Head and Neck Cancers: These cancers often require treatment near sensitive structures like the eyes, mouth, and throat.
- Lung Cancer: Proton treatment can target tumors in the lung while minimizing damage to the heart and other nearby organs.
- Prostate Cancer: It allows for effective treatment with reduced risk of side effects such as urinary and bowel problems.
- Liver Cancer: The liver’s proximity to vital organs makes precision crucial, which proton treatment provides.
- Recurrent Tumors: Patients with tumors that have recurred after previous radiation treatment may benefit from the targeted nature of proton treatment.
Tentative Cost Estimate for Proton Treatment in India
India has emerged as a leading destination for advanced medical treatments, including proton treatment, due to its state-of-the-art facilities and cost-effective care. The cost of Proton Treatment in India varies based on the number of sessions required. Generally, it starts at around USD 20,000, but the total expense can increase if additional sessions are needed. The final cost can only be determined after reviewing the patient’s medical reports.
Top Radiation Oncologists in India for Proton Treatment
- Neuro Oncologist, Chennai, India
- Over 28 years’ experience
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rakesh Jalali is undoubtedly one of the top Radiation Oncologists in the country who is renowned for his high-precision radiation techniques.
- He provides a wide range of radiation treatments customized to treat different kinds of cancers.
- Dr. Jalali, who has a remarkable 28-year of experience in the field of Neuro-Oncology, is highly proficient in employing sophisticated radiation treatment procedures, such as Electron Beam Radiation treatment (3DCRT), IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, BRT, SABR, DIBH, Brachy Treatment, TBI, and TSET, as well as 4D Gated Radio Treatment. These treatments are carefully employed to treat various kinds of cancers such as brain tumors, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancers, and many more.
- Radiation Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 32 years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Tejinder Kataria is a globally renowned Radiation Oncologist whose pioneering contributions have significantly advanced cancer treatment in India.
- With over 35 years of experience, she has been instrumental in introducing cutting-edge technologies and establishing prominent oncology departments across prestigious institutions. She is currently the Chairperson of Radiation Oncology at Medanta – The Medicity in Gurugram, New Delhi.
- Dr. Kataria played a pivotal role in founding the Department of Radiation Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi, and Artemis Health Institute, Gurugram. She also established the Division of Radiation Oncology at Medanta, Gurugram, where she continues to innovate and lead.
- Her interests lie in Stereotactic Radio Treatment (SBRT), Image-Guided Radio Treatment (IGRT), Intensity Modulated Radio Treatment (IMRT), 3-D Conformal Radiation (3D CRT), PET-CT, MRI, SPECT, DSA and CT-Simulator fusion for treatment planning.
- Top Radiation Oncologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 20+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. G K Jadhav is one of the leading radiation oncologists in India.
- He has a complex understanding of cancer biology, clinical care, and radiation physics.
- Dr. Jadhav has an experience of more than 20 years in the field of radiation oncology.
- Radiation Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 40 years’ experience
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Subodh Chandra Pande is a well-known radiation oncologist in India. He has a long and rich clinical and teaching experience in the specialty of radiation oncology.
- He included a Dual Energy Linear Accelerator with Multi-Leaf Collimator at Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (BMCHRC), Jaipur & which was a first for the State of Rajasthan.
- Radiation Oncologist, Chennai, India
- Over 33 years’ experience
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sapna Nangia is a highly proficient clinical and radiation oncologist with versatile experience in cancer management.
- She has an experience of more than 33 years as a doctor across various eminent institutions in the country.
- Radiation Oncologist, Chennai, India
- Over 15 years’ experience
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Srinivas Chilukuri has been in one of the top layers of Oncologists in India. He is a renowned Radiation Oncologist with extensive experience. He is also a major thought leader in the field, particularly with regard to high precision radiation treatment, which includes Particle Beam Radiation.
Top Hospital in India for Proton Treatment
The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC)
The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) in Chennai is a premier medical facility in India dedicated to providing advanced cancer treatment through proton treatment. It is the only functional Proton Treatment Centre in Asia, Africa and Middle East at present.
APCC is part of the Apollo Hospitals Group, one of Asia’s largest and most respected healthcare providers. The center is renowned for its state-of-the-art technology, experienced medical professionals, and comprehensive care approach, making it a leading destination for cancer treatment in India and globally.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai is the most sought-after private cancer hospital in India. It is an integrated facility that provides cutting-edge, all inclusive cancer treatment to patients all over the globe.
- The hospital is a part of the renowned Apollo Group which has a large network of over 74 hospitals in India and across the globe. Out of the 74 hospitals, 21 of them are cancer centres. However, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is the only cancer hospital to have JCI accreditation.
- The Centre, which was established on the principles of excellence and expertise, unites a formidable medical staff led by some of the most illustrious figures in cancer treatment.
- The hospital follows the global ASTRO Model Policy. It is the same global policy which is followed by countries like USA, UK, and Europe.
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is among the very few hospitals in India to receive patients from First World countries such as USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, etc.
- Apart from that, it is also the first hospital in Chennai to receive patients from several countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, etc.
- In fact, there is a dedicated team at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that serves only international patients. Thus, on a monthly basis, the Centre receives patients from across 32 countries.
- Moreover, there are certain treatments in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that are not available in any other centre. APCC addresses all types of possible cancers that are usually not covered by any other centre.