R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JUNE 22
North Chennai-based Multi-Super Specialty facility – Meridian Hospital on Friday announced the successful launch of 10-channel Interstitial Brachytherapy services in this part of metro and extends its services up to the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing media on the successful launch of Radio Therapy – ELEKTA LINAC at its facility at Madhavaram, Prof Dr Ashok Thiakarajan, CEO, Meridian Hospital said the 300-bedded facility offers the most advanced treatments at an affordable cost to the poor and downtrodden.
Since launch of this advanced cancer care, over 30 patients were successfully treated and this has positioned Meridian Hospital at the forefront of innovative and comprehensive cancer care in this region, he added.
Answering queries, he said this advanced treatment is covered by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (TNCMCHIS) and Union Government’s Health Insurance Scheme for the poor.
Meridian Advanced Oncology care
Meridian Hospital’s commitment to providing best-in-class clinical solutions is further demonstrated through this advanced cancer treatment offering. By introducing Interstitial Brachytherapy, the hospital is not only enhancing its treatment repertoire but also reaffirming its dedication to delivering excellent healthcare solutions to its patients, Prof Ashok Thiakarajan said.
Dr. Kenny Robert, Surgical Oncologist, Meridian Hospital stressed administration of vaccination to prevent cervical cancer for girl children between the age of 9 and 21 years (advisable to have before attaining puberty). It is advisable to administer the vaccine to both married male and female before the first inter-course, as it will protect the women from cervical cancer. Creating awareness on prevention of cancer is the need of the hour, he stressed.
Dr. Rajesh Kar, Radiation Oncologist, Meridian Hospital emphasized, “Interstitial Brachytherapy represents a leap forward in cancer treatment. By placing radioactive sources directly into or near the tumour, this therapy delivers high-dose radiation with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This approach is especially effective for treating localized cancers such as prostate, cervical, and breast cancers.”
Dr. Pandidurai, Medical Oncologist, Meridian Hospital highlighted, “Meridian Brachytherapy can be utilized as a single modality or in combination with other treatments such as external beam radiation therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy, offering versatile and effective treatment options for our patients.”
Success Rates of Brachytherapy
With a median follow-up of 5.3 years, the biochemical disease-free survival rate for patients undergoing brachytherapy boost is an impressive 92%, compared to 81% with IMRT. Additionally, the distant metastases-free survival rate stands at 97% for brachytherapy boost patients, versus 93% for those receiving IMRT. These statistics underscore the efficacy of brachytherapy in improving patient outcomes.
What is Interstitial Brachytherapy?
Interstitial Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy, involves placing radioactive sources directly into or near a tumour, providing high-dose radiation with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues. This precise approach is particularly effective for localized cancers, offering higher success rates in treating prostate, cervical, and breast cancers.
