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Kasturba Hospital Manipal pioneers stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in coastal Karnataka

A boon for cancer patients for precise radiation treatment in the Coastal Region

Manipal : The department of radiotherapy and oncology, Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal commenced stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This is the first time this therapy has been administered in coastal Karnataka.

According to Dr Krishna Sharan, Prof & Head Dept Radiotherapy and Oncology Kasturba Hospital, Manipal said that “Stereotactic radiosurgery is a technique wherein very high doses of X-rays can be delivered to a small point focused on the cancerous tissue, leading essentially to total elimination of disease at that point”. The result is equivalent to complete surgical removal of the mass, hence the procedure is termed as “radiosurgery”. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a relatively new technique of treatment, and with research has found itself major roles to play in treatment of certain brain cancers and some other non-cancerous conditions.

Additionally, with progress in treatment delivery, the technique is no longer limited to only the brain, where it was first established. Stereotactic body radiotherapy can be utilized for treatment of cancers in other parts of the body such as small lung cancers and liver cancers.

Dr (Col) M Dayananda said that “ With the installation of the latest linear accelerator with Stereotactic facility, The Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer hospital of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal now match the best in the country in terms of clinical expertise and equipment’s.”

 Image 1 : linear accelerator with Stereotactic facility, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal

Image 2 : Stereotactic radiosurgery ensures that a small focus in the body receives very high dose of radiation, while the surrounding regions receive negligible doses

Image 3 : The patient is immobilized for accurate treatment delivery (Image courtesy : Elekta Inc)