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

Author:- Dr. Dheeraj Bojwani

Radiotherapy is an important part of cancer treatment and may be used alone or together with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or other cancer treatments. Modern radiation oncology uses treatment-planning systems and imaging to deliver radiation as accurately as possible to the tumour while limiting unnecessary exposure to nearby healthy tissues. Depending on the cancer, treatment may involve external-beam radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, image-guided radiotherapy, stereotactic treatments, brachytherapy or other specialised techniques. India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare describes technologies including linear accelerators with multileaf collimators, stereotactic irradiation, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, CT-based simulation, image-guided brachytherapy and high-dose-rate brachytherapy as modern radiation-treatment technologies. Radiotherapy may be recommended before surgery, after surgery, together with systemic treatment, as the main treatment for selected cancers, or for controlling symptoms caused by advanced cancer. Modern cancer treatment may also include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal treatment, precision or molecular oncology, supportive care and selected advanced procedures. Current Indian government cancer-care information includes services such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal treatment, palliative care and multidisciplinary tumour-board care. For Bangladeshi patients travelling to India, treatment planning should begin with confirmation of the diagnosis, cancer stage, pathology and previous treatment. The radiation oncologist then determines whether radiotherapy is appropriate and which technique, dose and treatment schedule are suitable.

Healing Journeys of Bangladeshi Patients

Mrs. Taslima Begum, treated in India
Mr. Karim Hossain, treated in India
Mrs. Hasina Akter, treated in India
Mrs. Nusrat Jahan, treated in India
Mr. Farhan Ahmed, treated in India
Mrs. Dilara Khatun, treated in India
Mr. Jahangir Alam, treated in India
Mrs. Shamima Khatun, treated in India
Mrs. Rumana Islam, treated in India

Bangladeshi Patients Share Their Experience

Q1 · What is Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells and prevent them from growing and dividing.

Radiotherapy can be used

  • Before surgery
  • After surgery
  • Together with chemotherapy
  • Together with selected systemic therapies
  • As the main treatment for selected cancers
  • To control cancer that has spread
  • To relieve cancer-related symptoms

The exact approach depends on the cancer.

External-Beam Radiotherapy

External-beam radiotherapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body.

Modern linear-accelerator-based treatment may use advanced treatment planning to shape the radiation dose around the tumour.

3D Conformal Radiotherapy

Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy uses imaging and treatment planning to shape radiation fields according to the tumour.

IMRT

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy allows the intensity of radiation to vary across treatment fields.

This can help create a more conformal dose distribution for selected tumours.

IGRT

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy uses imaging during the treatment process to help position the patient and tumour accurately.

VMAT

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy delivers radiation while the treatment machine moves around the patient.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Stereotactic radiation delivers highly focused radiation to selected small or well-defined targets.

Depending on the site, it may be referred to as

  • SRS
  • SRT
  • SBRT

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy places a radiation source inside or close to the tumour.

It is used for selected cancers and may be delivered using low-dose-rate or high-dose-rate techniques.

Image-Guided Brachytherapy

Imaging can help guide the placement and planning of brachytherapy.

Modern Cancer Treatment Beyond Radiotherapy

Cancer treatment may also involve

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Precision medicine
  • Molecular testing
  • Stem-cell transplantation for selected blood cancers
  • Palliative and supportive care

Modern cancer care often combines several treatments rather than relying on radiotherapy alone.

Q2 · How much does Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment cost in Bangladesh compared with India?

The cost of radiotherapy varies according to the cancer, treatment technique, number of fractions, treatment-planning requirements, machine used and whether chemotherapy or another treatment is provided at the same time.

The total cost can also depend on

  • Initial oncology consultation
  • Radiation-oncology consultation
  • Pathology review
  • Imaging
  • CT simulation
  • Treatment planning
  • Immobilisation devices
  • Radiation technique
  • Number of fractions
  • Brachytherapy procedures
  • Anaesthesia where required
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted medicines
  • Hospitalisation
  • Follow-up

For planning purposes, this guide uses

  • US$1 ≈ BDT 122
  • US$1 ≈ INR 96
Treatment / ProcedureBangladesh Estimated CostIndia Estimated CostPotential Saving
Radiation Oncology Consultation & Treatment PlanningBDT 50,000–120,000
US$410–985
INR 25,000–70,000
US$260–730
Approx. 20%–35%
CT Simulation & Radiation PlanningBDT 80,000–180,000
US$655–1,475
INR 40,000–100,000
US$415–1,040
Approx. 15%–30%
3D Conformal RadiotherapyBDT 250,000–500,000
US$2,050–4,100
INR 150,000–300,000
US$1,565–3,125
Approx. 15%–30%
IMRTBDT 350,000–700,000
US$2,870–5,740
INR 200,000–450,000
US$2,085–4,690
Approx. 15%–30%
BDT 400,000–800,000 INR 250,000–500,000 Approx. IGRT
US$3,280–6,560
US$2,605–5,210 15%–30%
INR 250,000–550,000 Approx. VMAT BDT 400,000–850,000
US$2,605–5,730 15%–30%
US$3,280–6,970
Stereotactic Radiotherapy
INR 250,000–600,000 Approx. BDT 400,000–900,000 SBRT
US$2,605–6,250 10%–30%
US$3,280–7,375
SRS
Stereotactic BDT 450,000– INR 300,000–700,000 Approx. Radiosurgery 1,000,000
US$3,690–
US$3,125–7,290 10%–30% 8,200
INR 150,000–400,000 Approx. HDR Brachytherapy BDT 250,000–600,000
US$1,565–4,170 15%–30%
US$2,050–4,920
INR 180,000–450,000 Approx. Image-Guided Brachytherapy BDT 300,000–700,000
US$1,875–4,690 15%–30%
US$2,460–5,740
Radiotherapy + Concurrent BDT 500,000– INR 300,000–750,000 Approx. Chemotherapy 1,200,000
US$4,100–
US$3,125–7,810 15%–30% 9,835
INR 450,000–Advanced Radiotherapy with BDT 700,000– Approx. 1,000,000
Combined Cancer Treatment 1,500,000
US$5,740– 10%–25% US$4,690–10,420 12,295

Potential savings are indicative planning ranges and are not guaranteed. Actual costs can vary according to cancer type, treatment technique, number of fractions, machine, planning requirements, medicines, hospitalisation and complications. Indian government documents identify IMRT, 3DCRT, IGRT, stereotactic radiation, HDR brachytherapy and other specialised radiation services among recognised radiation-oncology technologies and service categories.

Patients should ask whether the quotation includes

  • Radiation-oncology consultation
  • Treatment planning
  • CT simulation
  • Immobilisation device
  • Treatment-planning system charges
  • Dosimetry
  • Verification imaging
  • Radiation sessions
  • Brachytherapy procedure
  • Anaesthesia where applicable
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Hospitalisation
  • Medicines
  • Consumables
  • Follow-up consultations

Patients should obtain a written quotation showing the number of planned radiation fractions and the technique being proposed.

Q3 · Which Indian cities can Bangladeshi patients consider for Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

CityCancer & Radiation Treatment Environment
Delhi / NCRRadiation oncology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, advanced radiation planning and multidisciplinary cancer care
GurugramRadiotherapy, medical oncology, cancer surgery and multidisciplinary cancer treatment
NoidaRadiation oncology, chemotherapy and cancer treatment services
MumbaiComprehensive cancer care, advanced radiotherapy and multidisciplinary oncology
ChennaiRadiation oncology, brachytherapy, chemotherapy and cancer surgery
BengaluruModern radiotherapy, medical oncology, surgical oncology and cancer diagnostics
HyderabadRadiation treatment, chemotherapy, cancer surgery and multidisciplinary oncology
KolkataRadiotherapy, chemotherapy, cancer surgery and oncology services
AhmedabadRadiation oncology, medical oncology and cancer surgery
PuneRadiotherapy, chemotherapy and multidisciplinary cancer care
KochiRadiation oncology, medical oncology and cancer surgery
ThiruvananthapuramRadiotherapy, chemotherapy and oncology services
GoaCancer evaluation and selected oncology services
NagpurRadiation oncology, chemotherapy and regional cancer treatment

Government cancer-care guidance in India describes cancer centres with equipment and services that may include linear accelerators, 3DCRT, IGRT, IMRT, SRS/SRT/SBRT, brachytherapy, CT simulation, treatment-planning systems and other oncology infrastructure. Patients should select a city according to the exact cancer diagnosis and the radiation technique required rather than selecting a city based only on the estimated treatment price.

Q4 · Which hospitals in India can Bangladeshi patients consider for Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

The following hospitals are part of the established Indian hospital reference list. Patients should confirm the specific radiation-oncology services required for their cancer before travelling.

Delhi Hospitals

  • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi
  • BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
  • Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
  • Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj
  • Manipal Hospital, Dwarka
  • Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj
  • Institute of Brain and Spine Hospital
  • Dharamshila Narayana Hospital
  • Indian Spinal Injuries Centre
  • AIIMS New Delhi

Chennai Hospitals

  • MGM Healthcare
  • MIOT International
  • Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road
  • Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre
  • SIMS Hospital
  • Kauvery Hospital
  • Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai
  • Vijaya Hospital
  • Apollo Speciality Hospitals
  • Rela Hospital

Mumbai Hospitals

  • Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre
  • Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre
  • Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre
  • Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai
  • Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital
  • Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
  • P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre
  • Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital
  • Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai
  • Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

Bengaluru Hospitals

  • Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road
  • Manipal Hospital, Whitefield
  • Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur
  • Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru
  • Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road
  • Aster CMI Hospital
  • Sakra World Hospital
  • Narayana Health City
  • Sagar Hospitals
  • Kauvery Hospital, Bengaluru

Hyderabad Hospitals

  • KIMS Hospitals
  • Yashoda Hospitals
  • Apollo Health City
  • CARE Hospitals
  • Continental Hospitals
  • Gleneagles Hospitals, Hyderabad
  • Sunshine Hospitals
  • Star Hospitals

Gurugram Hospitals

  • Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI)
  • Medanta – The Medicity
  • Artemis Hospital
  • Max Hospital, Gurugram
  • CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram
  • Manipal Hospital, Gurugram
  • Paras Health
  • Narayana Superspeciality Hospital

Noida Hospitals

  • Fortis Hospital, Noida
  • Jaypee Hospital
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida
  • Yatharth Hospital
  • Kailash Hospital
  • Metro Hospital & Heart Institute
  • Metro Center for Neurosciences

Kolkata Hospitals

  • Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals
  • AMRI Hospitals
  • Fortis Hospital, Anandapur
  • Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake
  • Medica Superspecialty Hospital
  • Narayana Superspeciality Hospital
  • Ruby General Hospital

Pune Hospitals

  • Ruby Hall Clinic
  • Jehangir Hospital
  • Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital
  • Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital
  • Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital
  • Manipal Hospital, Kharadi
  • Medicover Hospital, Pune

Ahmedabad Hospitals

  • Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad
  • Zydus Hospitals
  • Sterling Hospitals
  • Shalby Hospitals
  • HCG Hospitals
  • SAL Hospital
  • CIMS Hospital

Kochi Hospitals

  • Aster Medcity
  • Amrita Hospital
  • VPS Lakeshore Hospital
  • Rajagiri Hospital
  • Aster MIMS
  • Lisie Hospital
  • Renai Medicity

Thiruvananthapuram Hospitals

  • KIMSHEALTH Hospital
  • Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute
  • SUT Hospital
  • SP Medifort Hospital
  • PRS Hospital
  • GG Hospital

Goa Hospitals

  • Manipal Hospital, Goa
  • Healthway Hospital
  • Manipal Hospitals, Dona Paula
  • Goa Medical College and Hospital
  • Apollo Victor Hospital

Nagpur Hospitals

  • Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur
  • Alexis Multispeciality Hospital
  • CARE Hospitals, Nagpur
  • Kingsway Hospitals
  • Lata Mangeshkar Hospital

Q5 · What types of Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatments are available?

Modern cancer treatment can involve several different radiation and systemic-treatment approaches.

1. 3D Conformal Radiotherapy

Uses three-dimensional imaging and treatment planning to shape radiation fields around the tumour.

2. IMRT

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy uses variable radiation intensity to create a more customised dose distribution.

It may be considered for cancers where protecting nearby organs is particularly important.

3. IGRT

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy uses imaging to improve patient positioning and treatment accuracy.

4. VMAT

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy delivers radiation while the treatment machine rotates around the patient.

5. Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Highly focused radiation may be used for selected tumours.

It can include

  • SRS
  • SRT
  • SBRT

6. Brachytherapy

A radioactive source is positioned inside or close to the treatment area.

It may be used for selected

  • Cervical cancers
  • Prostate cancers
  • Breast cancers
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Other appropriately selected tumours

7. HDR Brachytherapy

High-dose-rate brachytherapy delivers radiation over a relatively short period through an applicator or other appropriate placement system.

8. Image-Guided Brachytherapy

Imaging can help the radiation team plan and guide treatment.

9. Respiratory-Gated Radiotherapy

For selected tumours affected by breathing movement, treatment can be coordinated with the patient's breathing cycle.

10. Adaptive / Image-Based Planning

Selected patients may undergo repeated imaging and treatment-plan adjustment when clinically appropriate.

11. Proton Therapy

Proton therapy uses protons rather than conventional photon radiation.

It may be considered for selected cancers when its physical dose-distribution characteristics offer a potential advantage.

12. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be combined with radiotherapy for selected cancers.

13. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy may be used for selected cancers according to cancer type, biomarkers and treatment guidelines.

14. Targeted Therapy

Targeted medicines may be used when the tumour contains an appropriate molecular target.

15. Hormone Therapy

Hormonal treatment may be used for selected hormone-sensitive cancers.

Q6 · Who may be suitable for Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

Radiotherapy may be appropriate for patients with many different cancer types.

Suitability depends on

  • Cancer type
  • Stage
  • Tumour size
  • Tumour location
  • Lymph-node involvement
  • Distant spread
  • Previous treatment
  • Previous radiation exposure
  • General health
  • Kidney and liver function
  • Treatment objective

Radiotherapy may be used:

Before surgery

To reduce or control the tumour before an operation in selected cases. After surgery To reduce the risk of local recurrence in appropriate patients. With chemotherapy Some cancers are treated using concurrent chemoradiation. As definitive treatment Radiotherapy can sometimes be the main treatment when surgery is not required or is not appropriate. For advanced cancer Radiation may be used to control symptoms or specific tumour sites. The treatment plan should be determined by the radiation oncologist in coordination with other cancer specialists.

Q7 · What tests are required before Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

Radiotherapy planning requires accurate information about the tumour and surrounding anatomy.

Depending on the cancer, investigations may include

  • Biopsy
  • Histopathology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Molecular testing
  • CT scan
  • MRI
  • PET-CT
  • Ultrasound
  • Endoscopy
  • Blood tests
  • Tumour markers where appropriate

CT Simulation

A CT simulation scan is commonly used to plan the radiation treatment.

It helps the radiation team

  • Define the treatment area
  • Identify nearby organs
  • Establish patient positioning
  • Create a treatment plan

Immobilisation

Depending on the treatment site, a customised immobilisation device may be used to help maintain the patient's position.

Treatment Planning

The radiation team may determine

  • Target volumes
  • Organs at risk
  • Radiation dose
  • Number of fractions
  • Beam arrangement
  • Image-guidance requirements

Additional Tests

Patients may require

  • Kidney-function tests
  • Liver-function tests
  • Complete blood count
  • ECG
  • Pregnancy testing where clinically relevant
  • Anaesthesia assessment for selected brachytherapy procedures

The exact investigations depend on the cancer and planned treatment.

Q8 · What medical records should Bangladeshi patients send before travelling?

Patients should provide complete cancer-treatment records before travelling.

Important documents include

  • Biopsy report
  • Histopathology report
  • Immunohistochemistry report
  • Molecular-testing report
  • Genetic-testing report where applicable
  • CT reports
  • CT images
  • MRI reports
  • MRI images
  • PET-CT reports
  • PET-CT images
  • Previous operation reports
  • Previous chemotherapy records
  • Previous radiation records
  • Previous radiation dose and treatment summary
  • Discharge summaries
  • Blood-test reports
  • Current medication list

Patients who have previously received radiotherapy should provide the previous radiation- treatment summary and dose information, because previous radiation can influence whether and how additional radiation can be safely considered.

Patients should also provide

  • Exact diagnosis
  • Cancer stage
  • Date of diagnosis
  • Current symptoms
  • Previous treatments
  • Treatment response
  • Current medicines
  • Previous radiation details
  • Current oncologist's recommendation
  • Any known molecular or biomarker findings

When appropriate, pathology slides or paraffin blocks may be requested for review.

Q9 · How does Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment work?

Radiotherapy generally follows a structured planning process.

Step 1: Cancer Diagnosis Review

The oncology team confirms

  • Cancer type
  • Pathology
  • Stage
  • Previous treatment

Step 2: Radiation-Oncology Consultation

The radiation oncologist determines

  • Whether radiation is indicated
  • Treatment objective
  • Treatment area
  • Expected benefits
  • Potential risks

Step 3: CT Simulation

The patient is positioned for treatment and a planning CT is performed.

Step 4: Treatment Delineation

The radiation team identifies

  • Tumour or treatment target
  • Lymph-node regions where appropriate
  • Organs that need protection

Step 5: Treatment Planning

A medical physicist and radiation team develop and verify the treatment plan.

Step 6: Quality Assurance

Treatment plans undergo appropriate verification and quality-assurance processes.

Step 7: Radiation Delivery

The patient attends scheduled treatment sessions.

Depending on the technique, radiation may be delivered over

  • A small number of fractions
  • Several fractions
  • Several weeks

The schedule depends entirely on the cancer and treatment objective.

Step 8: Monitoring

During treatment, the patient may be monitored for

  • Skin reactions
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Appetite changes
  • Blood counts
  • Site-specific side effects

Step 9: Follow-Up

After treatment, follow-up may include

  • Clinical examination
  • Imaging
  • Blood tests
  • Tumour markers where appropriate
  • Additional systemic treatment

Q10 · What are the alternatives to Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

Radiotherapy is only one possible cancer treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives or complementary approaches may include:

Surgery

Surgery may remove a localised tumour.

Chemotherapy

Systemic medicines may be used before surgery, after surgery or for advanced cancer.

Immunotherapy

Selected cancers may respond to immune-based treatments.

Targeted Therapy

Molecularly targeted medicines may be appropriate for tumours with specific abnormalities.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone-sensitive cancers may respond to endocrine treatment.

Active Surveillance

Selected low-risk cancers may sometimes be monitored carefully rather than treated immediately.

Interventional Cancer Treatment

Selected tumours may be treated using image-guided procedures.

Palliative Treatment

When cure is not possible, treatment may focus on

  • Pain relief
  • Symptom control
  • Prevention of complications
  • Maintaining function
  • Quality of life

The appropriate alternative depends on the cancer diagnosis and treatment objective.

Q11 · What should Bangladeshi patients ask before accepting a Radiotherapy quotation?

Patients should ask

  • What is the exact cancer diagnosis?
  • What is the stage?
  • Why is radiotherapy being recommended?
  • Is the goal curative or palliative?
  • Is radiotherapy being given before or after surgery?
  • Will chemotherapy be given with radiation?
  • Which radiation technique is being proposed?
  • Why is this technique appropriate for the patient?
  • How many radiation fractions are required?
  • How long will the complete treatment course take?
  • Is CT simulation included?
  • Is treatment planning included?
  • Are immobilisation devices included?
  • Is image guidance included?
  • Is brachytherapy required?
  • Is anaesthesia required for brachytherapy?
  • Are chemotherapy medicines included?
  • Are immunotherapy or targeted medicines included?
  • What side effects should be expected?
  • What additional costs could arise?
  • What happens if treatment needs to be modified?
  • How often will the patient be reviewed?
  • When can the patient travel back to Bangladesh?
  • What follow-up will be required?
  • Can follow-up be coordinated with an oncologist in Bangladesh?

Patients should request a written quotation showing the radiation technique, planned number of fractions and major inclusions and exclusions.

Q12 · How long should Bangladeshi patients stay in India for Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

The duration depends on the treatment technique.

Initial Evaluation

Approximately 3–7 days may be required for

  • Oncology consultation
  • Radiation-oncology consultation
  • Pathology review
  • Imaging
  • CT simulation
  • Treatment planning

Short-Course Radiotherapy

Some selected treatment plans may require only a small number of sessions.

Conventional Fractionated Treatment

Other cancers may require repeated radiation sessions over several weeks.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy may require one or multiple procedures depending on the cancer and treatment protocol.

Combined Treatment

Patients receiving radiation together with chemotherapy or other treatment may need additional time.

Bangladeshi patients should plan accommodation according to the complete treatment schedule rather than only the first consultation.

Patients should also allow additional time for

  • Treatment planning
  • Medical review
  • Side-effect management
  • Additional investigations
  • Unexpected treatment delays

The treating radiation oncologist should provide the expected treatment schedule before the patient finalises travel arrangements.

Q13 · What is recovery like after Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

Recovery varies according to

  • Treatment area
  • Radiation dose
  • Number of fractions
  • Concurrent chemotherapy
  • Patient health
  • Previous treatment

Common Short-Term Effects

Depending on the treatment area, patients may experience

  • Fatigue
  • Skin changes
  • Local irritation
  • Reduced appetite
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Mouth or throat discomfort
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Urinary symptoms
  • Temporary worsening of local symptoms

Not every patient experiences these effects. Government cancer-treatment information notes that some radiation side effects occur during treatment and can continue for a period afterward, while rare long-term complications can also occur depending on the treatment area.

During Treatment

Patients should

  • Maintain hydration
  • Follow nutritional advice
  • Take medicines as prescribed
  • Attend scheduled reviews
  • Report significant side effects

After Treatment

Some side effects may gradually improve after radiation is completed.

Other effects can take longer to resolve. The timing varies according to the body area and treatment.

Nutrition

Patients receiving head-and-neck, gastrointestinal or other intensive treatment may require specialised nutritional support.

Combined Treatment

Side effects may be greater when radiotherapy is combined with chemotherapy or other systemic treatment.

Patients should follow the oncology team's instructions regarding activity, diet, medicines and follow-up.

Q14 · How can follow-up be managed after returning to Bangladesh?

Before returning to Bangladesh, patients should obtain a complete treatment file.

It should include

  • Final diagnosis
  • Cancer stage
  • Radiation treatment summary
  • Radiation technique
  • Total radiation dose
  • Number of fractions
  • Treatment area
  • Brachytherapy details if applicable
  • Chemotherapy protocol
  • Medication list
  • Imaging reports
  • Pathology reports
  • Molecular-testing reports
  • Follow-up recommendations

Follow-Up in Bangladesh

Follow-up may include

  • Radiation-oncology review
  • Medical-oncology review
  • Surgical-oncology review
  • Imaging
  • Blood tests
  • Tumour markers where appropriate
  • Physical examination

Patients should ask the Indian treatment team

  • When should the next scan be performed?
  • When should the next oncology review occur?
  • What symptoms should trigger urgent assessment?
  • What medicines should continue?
  • When should further treatment begin?

Urgent Medical Attention

Patients should seek prompt medical care for

  • Severe bleeding
  • Severe breathing difficulty
  • High fever
  • Severe dehydration
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Severe uncontrolled pain
  • Sudden neurological symptoms
  • Severe weakness
  • Other emergency symptoms identified by the oncology team

Q15 · Should a Bangladeshi patient travel to India for Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatment?

Bangladeshi patients may consider India for

  • Radiation-oncology consultation
  • Second opinions
  • Radiation treatment planning
  • 3D conformal radiotherapy
  • IMRT
  • IGRT
  • VMAT
  • Stereotactic radiotherapy
  • SRS/SRT/SBRT
  • Brachytherapy
  • HDR brachytherapy
  • Image-guided brachytherapy
  • Combined chemoradiation
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Multidisciplinary cancer treatment

However, travelling internationally for cancer treatment should be based on the patient's specific diagnosis and treatment requirements.

Before making a decision, Bangladeshi patients should compare

  • Cancer type
  • Cancer stage
  • Treatment objective
  • Recommended radiation technique
  • Number of fractions
  • Expected treatment duration
  • Need for chemotherapy
  • Need for immunotherapy or targeted therapy
  • Total estimated treatment cost
  • Additional expenses
  • Accommodation requirements
  • Follow-up arrangements in Bangladesh

A patient who has already received radiotherapy should provide the previous treatment details before travelling, because previous radiation exposure can be important when assessing additional treatment. The final treatment decision should be made after appropriate specialist evaluation.

Final Bangladeshi Patient Pre-Travel Checklist

Diagnosis and Medical Records

  • Biopsy report
  • Histopathology report
  • Immunohistochemistry report
  • Molecular-testing report
  • Genetic-testing report where applicable
  • CT reports
  • CT images
  • MRI reports
  • MRI images
  • PET-CT report
  • PET-CT images
  • Previous surgery reports
  • Previous chemotherapy records
  • Previous radiation-treatment summary
  • Previous radiation dose and fraction details
  • Discharge summaries
  • Recent blood-test reports
  • Current medication list

Radiotherapy Planning

  • Confirm exact cancer type
  • Confirm cancer stage
  • Confirm treatment objective
  • Confirm whether radiation is required
  • Confirm radiation technique
  • Confirm number of fractions
  • Confirm expected treatment duration
  • Confirm whether CT simulation is required
  • Confirm whether immobilisation is required
  • Confirm whether brachytherapy is required
  • Confirm whether chemotherapy will be given concurrently
  • Confirm whether immunotherapy is planned
  • Confirm whether targeted therapy is planned
  • Understand expected side effects
  • Understand major treatment risks

Cost and Hospital

  • Radiation-oncology consultation confirmed
  • CT simulation cost confirmed
  • Treatment-planning cost confirmed
  • Dosimetry cost confirmed
  • Radiation-session cost confirmed
  • Brachytherapy cost confirmed if applicable
  • Anaesthesia cost clarified if applicable
  • Chemotherapy cost confirmed
  • Immunotherapy cost confirmed
  • Targeted-therapy cost confirmed
  • Hospitalisation cost clarified
  • Medicines and consumables clarified
  • Additional-session charges clarified
  • Follow-up consultation cost clarified
  • Written quotation obtained

Travel

  • Valid passport
  • Appropriate Indian medical-travel documentation
  • Printed medical records
  • Digital copies of imaging
  • Original pathology documents where available
  • Previous radiation records if applicable
  • Hospital appointment confirmation
  • Accommodation arrangements
  • Travel companion where appropriate
  • Flexible return-flight arrangements
  • Budget for additional treatment days

Follow-Up

  • Radiation-treatment summary
  • Total radiation dose
  • Number of fractions
  • Treatment technique
  • Brachytherapy details if applicable
  • Chemotherapy protocol
  • Medication schedule
  • Follow-up imaging plan
  • Next oncology appointment
  • Bangladesh follow-up arrangement
  • Emergency warning signs understood

Final Note

Radiotherapy and Modern Cancer Treatments in India for Bangladeshi Patients may include conventional and advanced radiation techniques such as 3D conformal radiotherapy, IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, stereotactic radiation and brachytherapy, together with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or hormone treatment when clinically appropriate. Modern radiation oncology is highly planning-dependent. The appropriate treatment technique should be selected according to the cancer type, stage, tumour location, treatment objective and nearby organs that need protection. Bangladeshi patients should ideally send their pathology, imaging and previous treatment records before travelling. Patients who have already received radiation should provide the previous treatment dose and fraction information so that the treating team can properly assess the case. Before travelling, patients should obtain a written treatment plan explaining the recommended radiation technique, number of fractions, expected duration, estimated cost, major exclusions and follow-up requirements. Right Diagnosis. Right Radiation Oncology Team. Right Treatment Plan.

Page Summary

This guide answers 15 frequently asked questions about radiotherapy and modern cancer treatments in India for Bangladeshi patients. It sets out indicative cost ranges in BDT, USD and INR for procedures such as radiation oncology consultation & treatment planning, CT simulation & radiation planning, 3D conformal radiotherapy and IMRT, and lists 14 Indian cities and 109 hospitals to research. It also covers treatment options, the medical reports to send before travel, the treatment process, alternatives, quotation questions, expected stay in India, recovery, follow-up care and a pre-travel checklist for patients from Bangladesh.

About The Author

Dr. Dheeraj Bojwani

Medical Content Writer & Reviewer
Medical Travel Advisor & International Patient Counsellor
24+ Years of Experience   •   5,000+ International Patients Assisted

Dr. Dheeraj Bojwani is a Medical Travel Advisor with over 24 years of experience assisting international patients seeking treatment in India. He has helped more than 5,000 patients from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the USA, Asia, and other regions access treatment in leading hospitals across India.

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