Did you know? According to the World Health Organization, over 50% of cancer patients will receive radiation therapy during their treatment. This life-saving modality, when executed with precision and expertise, can dramatically improve survival rates and quality of life. That’s exactly what Dr. Mathangi J, Senior Consultant and In-charge of Radiation Oncology at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, brings to the table — advanced expertise and compassionate care tailored to each patient’s journey.
Radiation therapy is a cornerstone in cancer treatment, designed to destroy cancer cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Understanding how radiation is done can ease patient anxiety and highlight the importance of consulting an experienced professional like Dr. Mathangi. With over 15 years of experience and 12,000+ patients treated, her command over the latest radiotherapy technologies ensures precision, safety, and better outcomes.
The journey begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation and simulation. Simulation refers to the preparatory stage where imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans are performed to map the exact location of the tumor. This step ensures that radiation is targeted with utmost accuracy. Dr. Mathangi uses image-guided technologies to perform high-precision simulations tailored to each cancer type — from head and neck to lung and prostate cancers.
Next comes treatment planning, where Dr. Mathangi’s team collaborates with medical physicists and dosimetrists to create a custom plan. This involves intricate dose calculation — determining how much radiation the tumor should receive without harming nearby healthy tissues. Advanced algorithms and 3D imaging allow her to sculpt radiation fields, minimizing complications while enhancing efficacy.
At the core of the radiation process is the linear accelerator (LINAC), a sophisticated machine that delivers high-energy X-rays or electrons directly to the tumor. At Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Dr. Mathangi oversees the use of Asia Pacific’s first TrueBeam STx machine, offering stereotactic precision for treating deep-seated and hard-to-reach tumors with exceptional accuracy.
Radiation is usually delivered in multiple radiation sessions spread over several weeks. Each session typically lasts 10 to 30 minutes. Dr. Mathangi ensures that the schedule is not only medically sound but also considers the patient’s comfort and daily life. Techniques such as Gated RapidArc and DIBH (Deep Inspiration Breath Hold) are used for lung and breast cancers to protect healthy organs.
Despite its targeted nature, radiation can cause side effects like fatigue, skin irritation, or localized inflammation. Under Dr. Mathangi’s care, side effects are proactively managed through nutritional guidance, physiotherapy, and medication. Her interdisciplinary approach reduces long-term complications and speeds up recovery, especially for patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy or surgery.
Radiation therapy is no longer a mysterious, one-size-fits-all solution. With experts like Dr. Mathangi, it becomes a personalized, precise, and empowering experience. Whether you’re in need of advanced techniques like stereotactic radiotherapy or conventional fractionation, her expertise ensures the highest chance of success with the least disruption to your life.
Your journey toward recovery deserves the best expertise and technology. Don’t let uncertainty delay your treatment. Book your consultation with Dr. Mathangi by submitting your contact details at https://drmathangi.com/contact/. Her team will promptly reach out to schedule your appointment.
Understanding how radiation is done and the detailed radiation process — from simulation to dose calculation, from the linear accelerator to managing side effects — gives you the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions. And in the capable hands of Dr. Mathangi, radiation therapy becomes not just a treatment, but a promise of hope and healing.
How radiation is done involves using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Under the guidance of Dr. Mathangi, the process is personalized based on the cancer type, stage, and patient’s overall health. Each treatment is carefully tailored using advanced imaging, planning software, and cutting-edge delivery systems like the TrueBeam STx for maximum safety and precision.
The radiation process includes a series of steps — consultation, imaging, simulation, treatment planning, delivery via a linear accelerator, and monitoring for side effects. Dr. Mathangi ensures that each phase is explained clearly to the patient, with supportive care provided throughout the journey.
The linear accelerator (LINAC) is a state-of-the-art machine used to generate the radiation beams. It shapes and delivers X-rays precisely to the tumor site. At Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Dr. Mathangi utilizes advanced LINACs capable of stereotactic precision, making it possible to treat tumors even in sensitive or complex areas like the brain or prostate.
Treatment planning is a critical stage where radiologists, dosimetrists, and medical physicists collaborate. They study imaging scans, define target volumes, and calculate radiation angles and dosage. Dr. Mathangi uses sophisticated software to ensure optimal plans that balance efficacy and safety, often employing techniques like Gated RapidArc and DIBH.
Simulation helps map out the treatment area using CT or MRI scans while the patient is positioned as they will be during therapy. It ensures accurate beam delivery and patient safety. Dr. Mathangi’s team uses immobilization devices and customized patient markers to enhance precision during simulation.
Dose calculation is performed using planning software that considers tumor size, shape, and location. It calculates the appropriate level of radiation that the tumor can receive without harming surrounding organs. Dr. Mathangi personally supervises these calculations to ensure therapeutic effectiveness with minimal toxicity.
The number of radiation sessions varies widely — from a single session in stereotactic radiosurgery (SBRT/SRS) to several weeks of daily sessions in conventional therapy. Dr. Mathangi develops individualized treatment schedules based on patient response, cancer aggressiveness, and overall treatment objectives.
Side effects depend on the body part being treated. Common effects include fatigue, localized skin changes, mouth sores (for head and neck cancers), or diarrhea (for pelvic radiation). Under Dr. Mathangi’s care, side effects are minimized using modern techniques and managed with supportive therapies to maintain patient comfort.
Yes, when conducted by an experienced oncologist like Dr. Mathangi, radiation therapy is a safe and effective modality. It’s often part of a curative approach and can also be used for palliative purposes in advanced stages to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
To consult with Dr. Mathangi, patients can visit https://drmathangi.com/contact/ and submit their details through the online form. Her team will promptly schedule an appointment and guide patients through the next steps.
