Best doctor for Stereotactic Radiation in Delhi | Dr. Vineeta Goel

Conventional radiation therapy for cancers often results in some collateral damage to nearby healthy tissues. Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) is defined as a method of external beam radiotherapy that use principles of stereotaxy to accurately deliver high radiation dose to a tumour/ target in one or few treatment fractions (1 to 5) without much radiation dose and side effects to the surrounding healthy tissues.

When this technique is used to treat brain tumours (primary /secondary) then it’s called as Stereotactic radiosurgery/ radiotherapy (SRS/SRT). While when this same technique is used for treating tumours outside brain/extra cranial , it’s called as SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy).

SRT is used to treat both primary cancers (where the cancer started such as the lung or the prostate), or where a cancer may have spread to other body organs (secondary cancers or metastases). It  is also addressed as SABR (Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy), as it involves the delivery of much higher and near ablative doses of radiation to cancer.

How is SRT different from other forms of RT?

• SBRT involves  high precision, image guided focused dose deliveredto the target with rapid dose fall off– translates in to higher control rates

• SBRT has highly conformal radiation with rapid dose fall off to avoid/minimize  radiation to healthy normal tissues – minimal side effects

• Larger doses per fraction (typically ≥ 8 Gy per fraction) to ablate the tumor- helps in overcoming radioresistance if any

• Fewer treatment fractions (typically 1-5 fractions) as compared to typical of 15-35 fractions in conventional RT

• Intra-fraction motion management wherever applicable for hitting at the accurate target every day with RT

What are the indications of using Stereotactic Radiation Therapy?

SRT can be used at various sites including

  • Primary Brain Tumours like Meningioma, Schwannomas etc.
  • Secondary Brain Tumour – Brain Metastases
  • Medically inoperable early-stage primary lung cancers (T1/2N0MO)
  • Lung metastasis (up to 5-8 in number)
  • Spine metastasis
  • Primary (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) and secondary liver tumours
  • Inoperable/recurrent  carcinoma pancreas
  • Early low risk prostate cancer

Case1 Carcinoma Cervix Patient with isolated liver metasatses treated with SBRT to liver metastases while sparing rest uninvolved liver

Case 2 –Follow up case of  Renal Cell Carcinoma with solitary brain metastases treated with post op SRT to Brain (without whole brain RT)

Case 3 – Carcinoma Urinary Bladder patient with Oligo metastases to Lung treated with SBRT with sparing of normal unaffected lungs

Case 4 Carcinoma Prostate with Spine metastases treated with SBRT to spine

Stereotactic RT delivers high ablative doses precisely to tumour which results in better tumour control and quick symptomatic relief to patients.

Dr. Vineeta Goel, Director Radiation Oncology at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh is the best doctor for  STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY.

# Stereotactic radiation therapy #SRS #SRT #SBRT # Brain Metastases # Liver tumour # Liver Metastases # Spine metastases # Bone Metastases # Lung metastses

Best doctor for Stereotactic Radiation in Shalimar Bagh | Dr. Vineeta Goel

Conventional radiation therapy for cancers often results in some collateral damage to nearby healthy tissues. Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) is defined as a method of external beam radiotherapy that use principles of stereotaxy to accurately deliver high radiation dose to a tumour/ target in one or few treatment fractions (1 to 5) without much radiation dose and side effects to the surrounding healthy tissues.

When this technique is used to treat brain tumours (primary /secondary) then it’s called as Stereotactic radiosurgery/ radiotherapy (SRS/SRT). While when this same technique is used for treating tumours outside brain/extra cranial , it’s called as SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy).

SRT is used to treat both primary cancers (where the cancer started such as the lung or the prostate), or where a cancer may have spread to other body organs (secondary cancers or metastases). It  is also addressed as SABR (Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy), as it involves the delivery of much higher and near ablative doses of radiation to cancer.

How is SRT different from other forms of RT?

• SBRT involves  high precision, image guided focused dose deliveredto the target with rapid dose fall off– translates in to higher control rates

• SBRT has highly conformal radiation with rapid dose fall off to avoid/minimize  radiation to healthy normal tissues – minimal side effects

• Larger doses per fraction (typically ≥ 8 Gy per fraction) to ablate the tumor- helps in overcoming radioresistance if any

• Fewer treatment fractions (typically 1-5 fractions) as compared to typical of 15-35 fractions in conventional RT

• Intra-fraction motion management wherever applicable for hitting at the accurate target every day with RT

What are the indications of using Stereotactic Radiation Therapy?

SRT can be used at various sites including

  • Primary Brain Tumours like Meningioma, Schwannomas etc.
  • Secondary Brain Tumour – Brain Metastases
  • Medically inoperable early-stage primary lung cancers (T1/2N0MO)
  • Lung metastasis (up to 5-8 in number)
  • Spine metastasis
  • Primary (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) and secondary liver tumours
  • Inoperable/recurrent  carcinoma pancreas
  • Early low risk prostate cancer

Case1 Carcinoma Cervix Patient with isolated liver metasatses treated with SBRT to liver metastases while sparing rest uninvolved liver

Case 2 –Follow up case of  Renal Cell Carcinoma with solitary brain metastases treated with post op SRT to Brain (without whole brain RT)

Case 3 – Carcinoma Urinary Bladder patient with Oligo metastases to Lung treated with SBRT with sparing of normal unaffected lungs

Case 4 Carcinoma Prostate with Spine metastases treated with SBRT to spine

Stereotactic RT delivers high ablative doses precisely to tumour which results in better tumour control and quick symptomatic relief to patients.

Dr. Vineeta Goel, Director Radiation Oncology at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh is the best doctor for  STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY.

# Stereotactic radiation therapy #SRS #SRT #SBRT # Brain Metastases # Liver tumour # Liver Metastases # Spine metastases # Bone Metastases # Lung metastses

Best doctor for Stereotactic Radiation in North Delhi | Dr. Vineeta Goel

Conventional radiation therapy for cancers often results in some collateral damage to nearby healthy tissues. Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) is defined as a method of external beam radiotherapy that use principles of stereotaxy to accurately deliver high radiation dose to a tumour/ target in one or few treatment fractions (1 to 5) without much radiation dose and side effects to the surrounding healthy tissues.

When this technique is used to treat brain tumours (primary /secondary) then it’s called as Stereotactic radiosurgery/ radiotherapy (SRS/SRT). While when this same technique is used for treating tumours outside brain/extra cranial , it’s called as SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy).

SRT is used to treat both primary cancers (where the cancer started such as the lung or the prostate), or where a cancer may have spread to other body organs (secondary cancers or metastases). It  is also addressed as SABR (Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy), as it involves the delivery of much higher and near ablative doses of radiation to cancer.

How is SRT different from other forms of RT?

• SBRT involves  high precision, image guided focused dose deliveredto the target with rapid dose fall off– translates in to higher control rates

• SBRT has highly conformal radiation with rapid dose fall off to avoid/minimize  radiation to healthy normal tissues – minimal side effects

• Larger doses per fraction (typically ≥ 8 Gy per fraction) to ablate the tumor- helps in overcoming radioresistance if any

• Fewer treatment fractions (typically 1-5 fractions) as compared to typical of 15-35 fractions in conventional RT

• Intra-fraction motion management wherever applicable for hitting at the accurate target every day with RT

What are the indications of using Stereotactic Radiation Therapy?

SRT can be used at various sites including

  • Primary Brain Tumours like Meningioma, Schwannomas etc.
  • Secondary Brain Tumour – Brain Metastases
  • Medically inoperable early-stage primary lung cancers (T1/2N0MO)
  • Lung metastasis (up to 5-8 in number)
  • Spine metastasis
  • Primary (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) and secondary liver tumours
  • Inoperable/recurrent  carcinoma pancreas
  • Early low risk prostate cancer

Case1 Carcinoma Cervix Patient with isolated liver metasatses treated with SBRT to liver metastases while sparing rest uninvolved liver

Case 2 –Follow up case of  Renal Cell Carcinoma with solitary brain metastases treated with post op SRT to Brain (without whole brain RT)

Case 3 – Carcinoma Urinary Bladder patient with Oligo metastases to Lung treated with SBRT with sparing of normal unaffected lungs

Case 4 Carcinoma Prostate with Spine metastases treated with SBRT to spine

Stereotactic RT delivers high ablative doses precisely to tumour which results in better tumour control and quick symptomatic relief to patients.

Dr. Vineeta Goel, Director Radiation Oncology at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh is the best doctor for  STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY.

# Stereotactic radiation therapy #SRS #SRT #SBRT # Brain Metastases # Liver tumour # Liver Metastases # Spine metastases # Bone Metastases # Lung metastses

Best oncologist for intra operative radiation treatment in Shalimar Bagh | Dr. Vineeta Goel

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a form of precise and impactful radiation therapy. IORT refers to a single shot of high dose radiation therapy given to the tumour bed (area of cancer) during cancer surgery.

  • There are several case scenarios where IORT finds it’s great advantage.
  • There is only one way to find its appropriate use and that is discussion within team of oncologists.
  • IORT improves the chances of local control of cancer many fold with least side effects.

Sharing two cases where we used HDR brachytherapy based IORT.

Case 1 – Recurrent and previously radiated cancer rectum.

50 years old gentleman with a history of renal transplant and multiple co morbidities developed low rectal adenocarcinoma which was initially treated with pre-operative chemo radiation therapy (CTRT). The patient was planned for surgery post chemo-radiation, however he defaulted the same. One year later the patient presented with local recurrence in rectum infiltrating in adjacent prostate gland. He was treated with neo adjuvant chemotherapy and low dose CTRT with partial response. He then underwent surgery (Abdomino Perineal resection) by a team of surgical oncologist with IORT to tumour bed at prostate. IORT was done using HDR Brachytherapy to the dose of 10Gy single fraction to prostate bed. After 18 months of treatment patient is free of disease and has no major adverse effects.

Case 2 – Locally Extensive Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa

52 years old gentleman presented with buccal alveolar cancer with extension to infra temporal fossa. He was initially treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with partial response. Intraoperatively disease was infiltrating into pterygoid plates. After tumour resection by surgical oncology team, we did IORT using HDR brachytherapy to a dose of 12Gy in single fraction. After 4 weeks from surgery, patient underwent additional post-operative radiation therapy 60Gy/30 fractions with IM IGRT technique. After 18 months of treatment patient is free of disease and has no major adverse effects.

Take Home Message – Intraoperative RT is an effective form of radiation therapy especially in challenging circumstances. There are very few institutions across globe where IORT is being practiced and there is a strong case to appropriately use it.

Best oncologist for intra operative radiation treatment in North Delhi | Dr. Vineeta Goel

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a form of precise and impactful radiation therapy. IORT refers to a single shot of high dose radiation therapy given to the tumour bed (area of cancer) during cancer surgery.

  • There are several case scenarios where IORT finds it’s great advantage.
  • There is only one way to find its appropriate use and that is discussion within team of oncologists.
  • IORT improves the chances of local control of cancer many fold with least side effects.

Sharing two cases where we used HDR brachytherapy based IORT.

Case 1 – Recurrent and previously radiated cancer rectum.

50 years old gentleman with a history of renal transplant and multiple co morbidities developed low rectal adenocarcinoma which was initially treated with pre-operative chemo radiation therapy (CTRT). The patient was planned for surgery post chemo-radiation, however he defaulted the same. One year later the patient presented with local recurrence in rectum infiltrating in adjacent prostate gland. He was treated with neo adjuvant chemotherapy and low dose CTRT with partial response. He then underwent surgery (Abdomino Perineal resection) by a team of surgical oncologist with IORT to tumour bed at prostate. IORT was done using HDR Brachytherapy to the dose of 10Gy single fraction to prostate bed. After 18 months of treatment patient is free of disease and has no major adverse effects.

Case 2 – Locally Extensive Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa

52 years old gentleman presented with buccal alveolar cancer with extension to infra temporal fossa. He was initially treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with partial response. Intraoperatively disease was infiltrating into pterygoid plates. After tumour resection by surgical oncology team, we did IORT using HDR brachytherapy to a dose of 12Gy in single fraction. After 4 weeks from surgery, patient underwent additional post-operative radiation therapy 60Gy/30 fractions with IM IGRT technique. After 18 months of treatment patient is free of disease and has no major adverse effects.

Take Home Message – Intraoperative RT is an effective form of radiation therapy especially in challenging circumstances. There are very few institutions across globe where IORT is being practiced and there is a strong case to appropriately use it.

Best oncologist for intra operative radiation treatment in Delhi | Dr. Vineeta Goel

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a form of precise and impactful radiation therapy. IORT refers to a single shot of high dose radiation therapy given to the tumour bed (area of cancer) during cancer surgery.

  • There are several case scenarios where IORT finds it’s great advantage.
  • There is only one way to find its appropriate use and that is discussion within team of oncologists.
  • IORT improves the chances of local control of cancer many fold with least side effects.

Sharing two cases where we used HDR brachytherapy based IORT.

Case 1 – Recurrent and previously radiated cancer rectum.

50 years old gentleman with a history of renal transplant and multiple co morbidities developed low rectal adenocarcinoma which was initially treated with pre-operative chemo radiation therapy (CTRT). The patient was planned for surgery post chemo-radiation, however he defaulted the same. One year later the patient presented with local recurrence in rectum infiltrating in adjacent prostate gland. He was treated with neo adjuvant chemotherapy and low dose CTRT with partial response. He then underwent surgery (Abdomino Perineal resection) by a team of surgical oncologist with IORT to tumour bed at prostate. IORT was done using HDR Brachytherapy to the dose of 10Gy single fraction to prostate bed. After 18 months of treatment patient is free of disease and has no major adverse effects.

Case 2 – Locally Extensive Carcinoma Buccal Mucosa

52 years old gentleman presented with buccal alveolar cancer with extension to infra temporal fossa. He was initially treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with partial response. Intraoperatively disease was infiltrating into pterygoid plates. After tumour resection by surgical oncology team, we did IORT using HDR brachytherapy to a dose of 12Gy in single fraction. After 4 weeks from surgery, patient underwent additional post-operative radiation therapy 60Gy/30 fractions with IM IGRT technique. After 18 months of treatment patient is free of disease and has no major adverse effects.

Take Home Message – Intraoperative RT is an effective form of radiation therapy especially in challenging circumstances. There are very few institutions across globe where IORT is being practiced and there is a strong case to appropriately use it.

A Voice of Hope

Dr. Vineeta Goel (Director & HoD – Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh) speaks about the frustration and the fear that surrounds a cancer diagnosis. Through the platform “A Voice of Hope”, Fortis Cancer Institute aims to challenge these feelings of hopelessness with stories of grit and courage from cancer survivors themselves. Stay tuned with us for real survival stories from real people.

Expert Explains Various Causes Of Cancer

World Cancer Day 2023- Smoking, chewing tobacco, and betel nuts are risk factors known to cause cancer. Expert explains various causes of Cancer.

Cancer is a dreaded disease, and its incidence is increasing. In a special series, on World Cancer Day, the OnlyMyHealth editorial team talked to Dr Vineeta Goel, Cancer Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. Dr Goel has been treating and helping cancer patients live a healthy life for the last 25 years. Dr Goel talks in great detail about what different causes of cancer and approaches to deal with them. It is important to remain vigilant of these causes of cancer and prevent them as much as possible.

What Causes Cancer?

According to Dr Goel, “The causes of cancer are not fully known, but we know some risk factors that are associated with cancer development. Consumption of tobacco, betel nut, and smoking are all associated with the increased risk of several cancers, including mouth, throat and lungs. Avoid these substances to prevent cancers.” Sometimes mouth/tongue cancer can also occur due to constant trauma or friction by sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures. Be aware and see your dentist if you have any such teeth to avoid cancer development.

Lifestyle-Related Causes Of Cancer

There are certain lifestyle factors like lack of physical exercise, sedentary life, obesity, and consumption of junk foods, which also increase the lifetime risk of developing cancer. There is a saying that “sitting is the new smoking”. This means lack of exercise or prolonged sitting is as harmful as smoking.

Genetic Causes Of Cancer

Few cancers run in families and are transferred through genes. According to Dr Goel, the extent of genetic cancer is only about 5%, while the rest 95% of cancers are not hereditary. It is important that people with a family history of cancer be more aware of this disease and do regular screening tests.

Approaches To Fight Cancer

It is important that we change our perception towards cancer. Dr Goel suggests three ways one can deal with cancer.

Prevention Of Cancer

Adding to the prevention of cancer, Dr Goel said, “Cervical cancer is common cancer in women but can be prevented by a vaccine. This vaccine is easily available in India. The vaccine is administered to girls after the age of 12 years, in two to three shots.” The risk of breast cancer reduces in women by breastfeeding and avoidance of prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills. Cancer of the liver is sometimes associated with Hepatitis B infection, and like cervical cancer, Hepatitis B vaccines are also available in the market.

Dr Goel recommended having a plant-based diet with more fresh fruits and vegetables instead of junk, processed foods, and meat. Additionally, one should not forget to indulge in regular physical exercise.

Cancer Screening

Many cancers cannot be prevented, but since they are common cancers, it becomes important to be aware of their symptoms and go for regular screening and health checkups. In today’s day and age, many people do regular checkups for heart disease, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. One should include cancer screening tests in their health checkups as well.

Golden Rule For Timely Cancer Detection

If you have any symptoms like any ulcer, swelling, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, change in voice, difficulty in gulping food, difficulty in breathing, abnormal bleeding, or back pain persisting for more than three weeks, please consult your doctor to rule out the possibility of serious illness like cancer.

Our Attitude Determines Our Altitude

It is important that we change our perception towards cancer diagnosis and treatment. While concluding, Dr Goel said, “We need to change the pessimistic view that cancer cannot be cured. Modern medicine has made significant advancements that make cancer cure possible for the majority of patients. We should have an optimistic approach and think that cancer is just a comma in one’s life and not a full stop.”

Prevention, awareness, screening tests, early detection and optimism towards cancer diagnosis and treatment is the message that we should be spreading on this World Cancer Day.

Is Cancer Hereditary?

Is Cancer Hereditary? What Is A Family Cancer Syndrome? Get expert advice on Family cancer syndrome, also known as hereditary cancer syndrome.

Cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of cells which also has the potential to spread to other organs. It can occur in any part of the body when genes that govern our cell’s behaviour are altered and get misregulated. In a special series on World Cancer Day 2023, we talked to Dr Vineeta Goel, Cancer Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, who explained us about cancer and if it is hereditary. For the past 25 years, she has treated cancer patients and assisted them in leading healthy lives.

Is Cancer Hereditary?

If you have ever wondered if cancer is hereditary, the answer is mostly a “big no”. Although genetic alterations cause cancer, they are not always inherited. It is believed that only 5% to 10% of cancers are hereditary when someone inherits a genetic mutation. Some of the cancers that can be hereditary are breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.

What Is A Family Cancer Syndrome?

Family cancer syndrome, also known as hereditary cancer syndrome, is a type of inherited disorder where the risk of developing specific cancers is higher than average. Mutations in specific genes handed down from parents to offspring are the root cause of hereditary cancer disorders. However, it must be noted that not every cancer that appears to be inherited is caused by family cancer syndrome. In some cases, family members may develop the same type of cancer because of the same environment or habits, such as tobacco use or exposure to air pollution. There is also the possibility of cancer running in the family if members of the family possess a variety of genetic variations that are each associated with a very small cancer risk.

Testing For Inherited Cancers

You may wonder if you need genetic testing to detect if you have inherited a genetic change. However, not everyone needs genetic testing if they have someone in their family who has or has had cancer. You should consult with a genetic counsellor to decide if you need to get tested for genetic testing. The doctor will ask you about your family history and medical records to determine if you need to get tested. The doctor will make you aware of the benefits, risks, and side effects of genetic testing. You should refrain from ordering the at-home genetic test, as it may have several drawbacks.

Signs That May Indicate Hereditary Cancer

  • Diagnosis of cancer at an early age
  • Many first or second-degree relatives with cancer.
  • If any member in your family has breast, uterine or ovarian cancer.
  • If any of your family members has rare cancers like sarcoma, pheochromocytoma, medullary thyroid cancer, or a male member has breast cancer.
  • Family member with multiple types of cancer

How sedentary lifestyle is making us vulnerable to cancer!

A sedentary lifestyle is basically a lifestyle where a person spends most of his/her time in one comfortable position

A sedentary lifestyle is basically a lifestyle where a person spends most of his/her time in one comfortable position and does not indulge in much physical activity. Medical experts claim that this kind of lifestyle has many sorts of health risks in general and increasing cancer cases are also reported which originate due to a sedentary lifestyle. In the past decade, the cases of obesity-related cancer have been on the rise and sitting, reclining, and lying down for hours at stretch is a new carcinogen, according to experts.

“World over incidence of cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. We all need to identify where in our lifestyles we are going wrong and correct it to prevent cancers in our present and future generations. An estimated 30-40% of cancers can be prevented through changes in modifiable lifestyle and environmental risk factors. We know for several years that consumption of tobacco either by chewing or smoking, alcohol and some viral infections are known risk factors for cancer. Recent studies have shown that physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are also emerging high risk lifestyle factors for cancers,” says Dr. Vineeta Goel – Director and HOD – Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh.

According to many studies, risks of cancers like breast, colon (intestine), uterus, ovary, prostate, esophagus (food pipe), stomach and bladder can be reduced with higher level of physical activity.

“In the past 30–40 years, three main modifiable factors have emerged that are associated with an increased risk of cancer: physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, and overweight or obesity. The incidence of obesity-related cancers is critically affected by dietary composition, physical activity, and sedentary practices. A key and effective measure in the prevention of cancer is to reduce the exposure to modifiable causes of cancer, such as physical inactivity,” says Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Surgical Oncologist, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka.

It is very important to maintain optimum body mass index (BMI)/weight to reduce the risk of cancer and avoid the re-occurrence of cancer in survivors.

“Exercise has many positive biological effects on the body, some of which have been proposed to explain associations with specific cancers. These include lowering the levels of certain hormones (estrogen, growth factors, insulin ), reducing inflammation, improving immune system function, reducing transit time for food to travel through intestine and helping to keep a check on weight preventing obesity which has a direct link in development of many cancers,” says Dr Kumar.