Radiotherapy

Direttore: Dott. Marco Gatti

Description

The Division of Radiation Therapy offers state-of-the-art cancer treatments tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient and his or her disease. The availability of advanced technologies enables high precision, greater effectiveness and less impact on surrounding healthy organs.

What is radiotherapy

Radiation therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses ionizing radiation to target and destroy cancer cells.
It is an outpatient treatment, so it does not require hospitalization, is not painful, and, in most cases, does not require anesthesia or specific medications.

Treatment pathway

  • Consultation visit: the radiation oncologist assesses the indication for treatment, explaining its objectives, duration, modalities and possible side effects
  • Centering CT scan: over the next few days, the patient has a simulation CT scan that allows the physician to precisely delineate the tumor and nearby organs to be protected
  • Planning: based on these images, the personalized care plan is developed
  • Start of sessions: the number of treatments varies according to the type of irradiation. From 1 to 7 sessions for short cycles, up to a maximum of 35 sessions. Individual sessions are of short duration.

After each session, the patient does not remain radioactive and can therefore continue to carry out their daily and social activities normally. Depending on the physical condition, he may also devote himself to work, sports or other regular commitments.

Side effects

When present, they are usually well controllable and vary depending on the area of the body being treated. If there is discomfort, the doctor may prescribe medication or indicate strategies to alleviate it.

A multidisciplinary team

Radiation therapy relies on a multidisciplinary team of diverse professionals:

  • Radiation physician, who defines the indication for treatment and oversees the entire course of treatment
  • Health physicists, responsible for preparing treatment plans, developed on the basis of images and clinical data; the physician then chooses the most suitable plan for the individual patient
  • Radiation therapy technicians, who perform the sessions by ensuring proper patient positioning and performing all necessary quality controls
  • Skilled nurses, who provide support in the preparatory stages, assist during treatment and manage any medications or clinical needs.

This team accompanies the patient every step of the way, from the first visit to the final evaluation, clearly explaining each step and carefully monitoring the occurrence of possible side effects.

Activities

Among the techniques available:

  • 3D conformal (3DCRT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT ) with daily image control (IGRT) practiced by means of two tomotherapy devices (a peculiarity that makes the facility unique in the Piedmont region);
  • Stereotactic radiotherapy delivered by LINAC TRUE BEAM;
  • High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR).

Contact

  • We are on the ground floor
  • Fax: 011 993 3752
  • Email: reparto.radioterapia@ircc.it

How to book

Find out all the ways you can access services through the National Health Service, privately and behind health funds and insurance coverage.

Équipe