Is the fast-paced technological advancement in radiation treatment equipment good for Indian Scenario? No

Abstract

Around 60% of new cancer patients and 23% of previously radiotherapy-treated patients need radiotherapy for management of their cancer. Although radiotherapy demands <6% of budget of cancer, huge initial out-lay makes it apparently expensive. Technological innovation has increased number of radiotherapy planning and delivery equipments at an unprecedented rate. Improved precision of technological innovation has decreased the clinical adverse events albeit the questionable accuracy of dose delivered. However, new radiotherapy equipments are expensive, sophisticated and difficult to operate without any difference in survival. Novel technology has decreased access to radiotherapy in resource-constrained developing countries. Tele-therapy and brachytherapy machine with Co-60 radio-isotope as the source of radiation may be feasible and inexpensive option for countries like India. Advanced techniques and linac-based therapy may be restricted for selective cases and should always be carried-out within the scope of clinical trials.