Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy abroad is listed from US$5,500 to US$20,500 at 12 hospitals in India and Germany, with 20 countries listed in total. The operation takes 10 to 30 minutes. Each hospital quotes its own price for your case.
Prices last updated May 2017
Description of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy:
What is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)?
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced radiation therapy that uses high precision techniques for reducing the damage to healthy tissues. A computerized plan is organized by the doctor to determine the accurate amount of radiation to be aimed at the cancer growth. The computer helps in determining the exact location, size, and shape of the cancer in order to determine the amount of radiation required to eliminate the cancer cells. A high dose of radiation is used on the cancer cells, while radiation to the healthy cells is minimized.
Since high and effective radiation can be delivered to cancer tumors without causing harm to normal tissues, the side effects of IMRT are minimised compared to conventional radiotherapy methods.
What types of cancer are treated by IMRT?
IMRT is mostly used in the treatment of cancers of the prostate, head and neck, and central nervous system.
Additionally, IMRT is also used in some cases of lung, breast, thyroid, gynecologic, and gastrointestinal malignancies along with several kinds of sarcomas.
How to Prepare for IMRT?
The patient’s physical evaluation and review of medical history will be performed.
A treatment simulation session will be conducted a week before the IMRT session. During simulation, CT scans will be performed. With this procedure a three-dimensional shape of the tumor and normal tissues are specified.
The information derived from the CT scan is used to design the beams used in the IMRT treatment.
Some patients may require a special device to help the patient retain an accurate position during the IMRT procedure. For this a treatment preparation session may be required.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may also be required to determine the exact location of the tumor.
Colored ink markings are made on the patient’s skin to aid the alignment and target of the IMRT machine.
How is IMRT Performed?
The patient needs to lie down on the treatment table.
Marks made on the patient’s skin will help to determine the location where the treatment is required.
Special shields may be used to block the machine from certain body parts, which help in protecting the healthy tissues.
The patient is required to stay still during the IMRT to ensure the accuracy of the radiation.
The radiation machine is operated from another area near the treatment room.
The radiation therapist will observe the patient on a display monitor or through a window.
The machine will move around the patient’s body to give radiation from different angles.
The patient may need to change the position from time to time during the procedure.
About Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Duration of surgery/treatment
Each IMRT session lasts for 10 to 30 minutes.
Number of sessions required
The number of sessions required depends upon the size of the cancer and the general health of the patient.
The sessions are usually done five days a week, for four to eight weeks.
Days admitted
IMRT is performed as an outpatient procedure.
Recovery
- The patient can perform regular activities after the treatment sessions.
- IMRT does not cause a patient to become radioactive, therefore precautionary measures to maintain distance from other people are not required.
Risks
There are early and late side effects. Early side effects occur immediately after the treatment and last for a few weeks.
The early side effects are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Skin sensitivity, redness, irritation or swelling
- Skin dryness, peeling, itching and blistering
- Hair loss
- Problems while swallowing
- Difficulty in eating and digestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Urinary problems
- Swelling and soreness at the treatment site
Late side effects are rare and occur months or years after the IMRT procedure. They are as follows:
- Problems related to the brain, spinal cord, lungs, kidney, colon, rectum, joints and mouth
- Infertility
- Lyphedema
- Secondary cancer
After care
The patient should contact the doctor if the following symptoms occur:
- Pain that does not become less
- Lumps or swelling in the body
- Unusual weight loss
- Fever and cough that does not cure
- Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and appetite loss
- Rashes and bruises
- Any other symptoms of sickness
Cost of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy by country
Price ranges in US$ for each country with a published range. Each hospital quotes its own price for your case.
The largest medical center in Israel and the Middle East, internationally renowned for it's medical excellence. Around 31,000 inpatients are treated annually.
DoctorsEFProf. Eitan FriedmanZSProf. Zvi SymonView all 18
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request
We are there for you when you most need us. Cancer treatment is generally a long 'fight' and so we wish to be by your side guaranteeing access and knowledge of the latest progress and offering you maximum psychological support and making your road to recovery as easy as possible.
DoctorsEADr. Emilio Alba
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request
A tertiary university hospital with over 750 physicians, providing medical services in most medical specialties. Services to foreign patients include interpreters, insurance coordination, and transportation arrangements. Both hospital and doctors have liability
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request
The Oncology Institute at Rambam Health Care Campus is a multi-disciplinary center for cancer treatment. It is certified by the European Society for Clinical Oncology (ESMO) as an integrated center for cancer treatment and support services, and is the only institute of its kind in Northern Israel.
DoctorsRBProf. Rechamim Ben-josefDKDr. David KakiashviliView all 11
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request
SevenHills Group of Hospitals (SHHL) has been delivering Healthcare services at the highest level, since past 25 years. SevenHills Hospital, Mumbai, is a world class integrated Healthcare Delivery System, that provides comprehensive Healthcare...
DoctorsIADr. Indoo AmbulkarCSDr. Chetan ShahView all 3
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request
Apollo Specialty Cancer Hospital is an exclusive and well established hospital for Cancer care with an Oncology team that consists of the most renowned specialists and a well trained team of medical and paramedical professionals who are exclusively trained in cancer care.
DoctorsRProf. RajasundaramDDDr. Debnarayan DuttaView all 19
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request
A full service private hospital offering a comprehensive range of specialist services by a team of 200 physicians. 35-40% of the patients are foreigners, and there is a dedicated department for handling medical tourists.
DoctorsLNDr. Lynette Ngo Su MienDPDr. Donald Poon Yew HeeView all 3
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request
In 2006, the clinic was acquired by an independent group Hexagone Hospitalisation, expanding and doubling its capacity to more than 200 beds.Clinique Ambroise Paré is a leader in chemotherapy, dialysis and In-Vitro Fertilization and is the first private facility
PricesIntensity Modulated Radiation Therapy upon request