According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), over 50% of cancer patients globally will require radiation therapy during their treatment journey. The backbone of effective radiation therapy lies in the type and precision of the radiation machine being used. At Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Dr. Mathangi J leads an expert radiation oncology team that combines experience with world-class technology — delivering excellence from conventional linear accelerators to the cutting-edge TrueBeam STx system.
A radiation machine is a medical device that delivers controlled doses of high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. The evolution of these machines has revolutionized cancer care, enabling treatment with greater accuracy, fewer side effects, and improved patient outcomes. Dr. Mathangi employs the most advanced variants of these machines, adapting the best modality to each individual’s clinical profile.
The linear accelerator, or LINAC, is the most widely used radiation therapy equipment globally. It generates high-energy x-rays or electrons that conform to the shape of a tumor. Dr. Mathangi utilizes LINACs to treat cancers across the body — including head and neck, breast, lung, and prostate cancers — with unparalleled precision. These machines are constantly upgraded to support modern techniques such as IGRT and RapidArc.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-surgical radiation therapy used to treat small tumors in the brain and spine with sub-millimeter accuracy. It delivers a single high-dose session using 3D targeting. Dr. Mathangi, trained in advanced stereotactic techniques in Germany, uses this approach to treat conditions such as brain metastases, meningiomas, and arteriovenous malformations.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) applies the same principle as SRS but targets extracranial (body) tumors. Dr. Mathangi leverages SBRT to treat lung, liver, and prostate cancers in just 1 to 5 sessions. With over 12,000 successfully treated patients, her SBRT expertise dramatically improves outcomes with reduced side effects and minimal interruption to patient lifestyles.
Brachytherapy machines are used to deliver radiation from inside the body, placing radioactive sources directly within or near the tumor. This is especially effective for gynecological cancers like cervical and endometrial cancer. Dr. Mathangi is one of the few experts in the region to offer image-guided interstitial brachytherapy, optimizing internal radiation delivery with maximum tumor kill and minimal damage to nearby organs.
RapidArc is a form of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) that allows the radiation machine to rotate 360 degrees around the patient, delivering dose from multiple angles in a single arc. Dr. Mathangi uses RapidArc for complex tumors where speed and dose shaping are critical — reducing treatment time from 15 minutes to just 2–3 minutes in some cases.
Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) involves the use of imaging techniques such as CT or MRI before and during each treatment session to verify tumor position. With IGRT, Dr. Mathangi adapts the plan in real time, correcting for even the slightest patient movement and ensuring that each beam hits the exact target zone — down to the millimeter.
The TrueBeam STx system is one of the most advanced radiation platforms available today. Installed under Dr. Mathangi’s leadership as the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, it delivers high-dose radiation with extraordinary precision. The system supports SRS, SBRT, RapidArc, and IGRT — all in one platform. Its ability to synchronize breathing patterns (DIBH), adapt dose in real-time, and reduce treatment time makes it a cornerstone of modern radiotherapy at Gleneagles Cancer Institute.
Each cancer demands a tailored approach. While superficial tumors may respond well to conventional LINAC therapy, complex or deep-seated tumors often need technologies like SBRT or the TrueBeam STx system. Dr. Mathangi’s expertise ensures that patients are matched with the most appropriate technology based on tumor location, size, sensitivity, and overall treatment goals.
If you or your loved one is seeking advanced cancer care powered by the best in radiation technology, consult Dr. Mathangi today. Submit your contact details via the form at https://drmathangi.com/contact/, and her team will reach out to schedule your consultation.
