15 Frequently Asked Questions : Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatments in India for Congolese Patients

Q1 · What Is Radiotherapy and When Is It Used for Cancer Treatment?

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells and prevent them from growing and multiplying. It may be used:

As the Main Treatment

Some cancers can be treated primarily with radiotherapy, sometimes together with chemotherapy or other systemic treatment.

Before Surgery

Radiotherapy may sometimes be used before surgery to reduce or control a tumour.

After Surgery

It may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of local recurrence when clinically indicated.

Together With Chemotherapy

Certain cancers are treated using chemoradiation, in which chemotherapy and radiotherapy are delivered as part of the same treatment plan.

For Advanced Cancer

Radiotherapy may also be used to control symptoms such as pain, bleeding, obstruction or pressure caused by a tumour.

The treatment objective therefore varies from patient to patient.

Q2 · What Is the Cost of Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment in India Compared with Congo?

The cost depends on the radiation technique, cancer type, treatment area, number of sessions, treatment-planning requirements and whether additional cancer therapies are required.

Indicative Cost Comparison

These are indicative planning estimates and not fixed hospital quotations.

The final cost may depend on

• Cancer type
• Stage
• Tumour location
• Radiation technique
• Number of treatment sessions
• Treatment-planning requirements
• Imaging requirements
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted medicines
• Hospitalisation
• Anaesthesia for selected procedures
• Follow-up investigations
• Complications

Patients should obtain a written quotation after radiation-oncology assessment.

Q3 · Which Indian Cities Can Congo Patients Consider for Radiotherapy?

For complex cases, patients should confirm that the selected centre has the specific radiation technology required for their cancer and access to medical oncology, surgical oncology, diagnostic imaging and pathology.

Q4 · Which Hospitals in India Can Congo Patients Consider for Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

Important: Not every hospital listed above necessarily provides every radiation technique. Patients should specifically confirm the availability of the required radiation technology, radiation oncologist, medical oncology team and supporting diagnostic services before travelling.

Q5 · What Types of Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatments Are Available in India?

External-Beam Radiotherapy

Radiation is delivered from a treatment machine outside the body and directed towards the tumour.

IMRT

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy allows radiation intensity to be varied within the treatment field to help shape the dose around the tumour and reduce exposure to nearby normal tissues where appropriate.

IGRT

Image-guided radiotherapy uses imaging during the treatment process to help position the patient and tumour accurately.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Stereotactic techniques deliver highly focused radiation to selected tumours, generally using fewer treatment sessions than conventional schedules.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Despite its name, radiosurgery is a radiation treatment rather than an open surgical operation. It may be used for selected brain and other appropriately located lesions.

Brachytherapy

A radiation source is placed inside or close to the tumour. It is used for selected cancers and may be delivered through different techniques.

Palliative Radiotherapy

Radiation may be used to relieve symptoms caused by cancer, including pain, bleeding or pressure.

Combined Chemoradiation

Some cancers are treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy together as part of a planned treatment protocol.

Q6 · When Is Radiotherapy Recommended?

Radiotherapy may be recommended when

• A tumour can be effectively treated with radiation
• Radiation is needed after surgery
• Radiation is required before surgery
• Chemoradiation is the preferred treatment
• A tumour is difficult to remove surgically
• Surgery would cause significant functional damage
• Cancer has returned locally
• Cancer has spread to a location where radiation can provide local control
• Symptoms such as pain or bleeding need to be controlled

The timing and dose depend on the cancer. For some patients, radiotherapy is the main treatment. For others, it forms one part of a larger treatment plan involving surgery and systemic therapy.

Q7 · What Advanced Radiation Technologies Are Available in India?

Depending on the hospital and the patient's diagnosis, modern radiation treatment may include

• IMRT
• IGRT
• VMAT
• Stereotactic body radiotherapy
• Stereotactic radiosurgery
• Stereotactic radiotherapy
• Brachytherapy
• Image-guided brachytherapy
• Adaptive radiation approaches in selected settings
• Respiratory-motion management
• Motion-gated radiotherapy
• Proton therapy in selected cases

The technology should be selected according to the tumour's location, size, movement, proximity to critical organs and treatment objective. More advanced technology does not automatically mean that it is necessary for every patient. The radiation oncologist should determine the appropriate technique after reviewing the patient's imaging and diagnosis.

Q8 · What Medical Reports Should Congo Patients Send Before Travelling to India?

Patients should provide the complete cancer record.

Important documents include

• Biopsy report
• Histopathology report
• Immunohistochemistry report
• Molecular or genetic testing reports
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• PET-CT
• Ultrasound
• Previous radiotherapy records
• Previous radiation dose and treatment plan, if available
• Previous chemotherapy records
• Previous surgery reports
• Discharge summaries
• Blood investigations
• Tumour-marker reports where relevant
• Current medication list

Patients who have already received radiotherapy should provide the previous radiation treatment summary, dose, number of fractions and treatment area whenever available. This information is particularly important because previous radiation can affect whether and how additional radiation can safely be delivered.

Q9 · What Is the Typical Process for Radiotherapy in India?

Step 1: Medical Record Review

The patient's diagnosis, pathology and imaging are reviewed.

Step 2: Radiation-Oncology Consultation

The radiation oncologist assesses whether radiotherapy is appropriate.

Step 3: Treatment Planning

The appropriate radiation technique and treatment objective are determined.

Step 4: Simulation

A planning scan is generally performed to map the treatment area and determine patient positioning.

Step 5: Contouring and Treatment Planning

The tumour and relevant normal structures are identified, and the radiation plan is developed.

Step 6: Plan Verification

The treatment plan is checked before treatment begins.

Step 7: Radiation Sessions

The patient receives the prescribed radiation treatment according to the planned schedule.

Step 8: Regular Monitoring

The radiation team monitors side effects, nutrition, symptoms and treatment response.

Step 9: Completion Assessment

After the planned course is completed, the patient receives further instructions and follow-up planning.

Step 10: Oncology Follow-Up

Further imaging, blood tests or additional cancer treatment may be recommended depending on the diagnosis.

Q10 · Are There Alternatives to Radiotherapy?

Yes. Radiotherapy is only one part of cancer treatment.

Depending on the cancer, alternatives or complementary treatments may include

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Ablation
• Embolisation
• Active surveillance for selected cancers
• Palliative medical treatment

In some cases, surgery may provide the primary local treatment. In other cancers, systemic treatment may be more important.

The choice depends on

• Cancer type
• Cancer stage
• Tumour location
• Pathology
• Molecular characteristics
• Previous treatment
• General health
• Treatment objective

The oncology team should determine whether radiotherapy, another treatment or a combination is appropriate.

Q11 · What Should Congo Patients Ask Before Accepting a Radiotherapy Quotation?

Before confirming treatment, patients should ask

• What is the exact cancer diagnosis?
• What is the cancer stage?
• Why is radiotherapy recommended?
• Is radiotherapy being given before or after surgery?
• Is chemotherapy required with radiation?
• Which radiation technique is being recommended?
• How many treatment sessions are required?
• How long will each session take?
• Is treatment delivered daily?
• What is included in the radiation package?
• Are planning scans included?
• Are consultation and treatment-planning charges included?
• What additional costs could arise?
• What side effects should be expected?
• How soon after treatment will follow-up occur?

Patients who previously received radiation should additionally ask how the earlier treatment affects the current radiation plan.

Q12 · How Long Should Congo Patients Stay in India for Radiotherapy?

The required stay depends on the radiation technique and treatment schedule.

For planning purposes

• Initial consultation and planning: approximately 3–7 days
• Short-course radiotherapy: approximately 1–3 weeks
• Conventional fractionated radiotherapy: often several weeks
• Stereotactic treatments: may require only a limited number of treatment sessions
• Brachytherapy: may involve one or multiple treatment visits depending on the cancer
• Combined treatment: may require a longer stay

The exact duration is determined after treatment planning. Patients should not book a return flight until the radiation oncologist confirms the treatment schedule and the patient's medical fitness for travel. For longer radiation courses, patients may need accommodation close to the treatment centre for the duration of therapy.

Q13 · What Is Recovery Like During and After Radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy side effects depend heavily on the body area being treated, the radiation dose, the number of sessions and whether chemotherapy is given at the same time.

Possible effects can include

• Fatigue
• Skin changes in the treatment area
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea
• Difficulty swallowing for some head, neck or chest treatments
• Bowel changes for abdominal or pelvic treatment
• Urinary symptoms for some pelvic treatments
• Hair loss in the treated area

Not every patient experiences all of these effects.

Patients may benefit from

• Adequate nutrition
• Hydration
• Rest
• Skin care according to the radiation team's instructions
• Appropriate physical activity
• Pain management
• Management of nausea or other symptoms
• Regular monitoring during treatment

Some side effects improve after treatment ends, while others may take longer to resolve.

Q14 · How Can Congo Patients Continue Cancer Follow-up After Returning Home?

Before returning to Congo, patients should collect

• Final diagnosis
• Pathology report
• Imaging reports
• Imaging copies
• Radiation treatment summary
• Radiation dose
• Number of fractions
• Treatment dates
• Treatment area
• Technique used
• Chemotherapy summary where applicable
• Surgery report where applicable
• Latest blood tests
• Medication list
• Follow-up schedule

Follow-up may include

• Clinical examination
• Blood tests
• CT
• MRI
• PET-CT
• Ultrasound
• Tumour markers where clinically appropriate
• Assessment of treatment response
• Monitoring for recurrence
• Management of late treatment effects

Patients should coordinate continued cancer care with an oncology team in Congo where possible. Patients should seek medical attention for concerning symptoms such as severe pain, persistent fever, significant bleeding, severe breathing difficulty, neurological changes or other sudden deterioration.

Q15 · Is India an Option for Congo Patients Seeking Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

India can be considered for patients seeking radiation oncology evaluation, modern radiotherapy techniques and multidisciplinary cancer treatment. However, the appropriate radiation technology depends on the individual cancer. A highly advanced radiation technique is not automatically necessary for every patient.

Before travelling, Congo patients should compare

• Exact cancer diagnosis
• Cancer stage
• Pathology
• Molecular findings where relevant
• Previous treatments
• Recommended radiation technique
• Radiation dose and number of sessions
• Availability of required technology
• Radiation oncologist experience
• Medical oncology and surgical oncology support
• Expected treatment duration
• Total treatment cost
• Travel and accommodation requirements
• Follow-up arrangements in Congo

A radiation-oncology second opinion based on complete pathology, imaging and previous treatment records can help the patient understand whether radiotherapy is appropriate and which treatment approach may be suitable.