Center of Excellence

Radiation Oncology

Advancing Cancer care through Precision Radiotherapy

Comprehensive Cancer Care. Providing ethical and accessible treatment since 1954.

Dr. Priya Iyer
As the Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, it is my privilege to share our vision and commitment to the communities we serve. For over seven decades, the Cancer Institute has stood as a beacon of hope—championing equitable, compassionate, evidence-based cancer care for every individual, irrespective of background or circumstance. Today, as cancer care grows more sophisticated, our mission remains clear: to deliver world-class radiation therapy rooted in scientific rigor, supported by advanced technology, and delivered with the utmost empathy. Our team of clinicians, physicists, technologists, and nurses work with a shared purpose—to provide safe, precise, and personalised treatments that improve outcomes while preserving quality of life. We are equally committed to continuous learning, training the next generation of oncologists, advancing research, and collaborating with national and international partners to raise the standards of cancer care in India. Our work is strengthened by the trust and support of our patients, caregivers, donors, and institutional stakeholders, to whom we remain deeply grateful. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our dedication to innovation, integrity, and patient-centric care. Together, we can build a future where every patient has access to timely, high-quality cancer treatment and the confidence that they are never alone in their journey
Dr. Priya IyerProfessor and Head of DepartmentMBBS, MD Radiation Oncology

About the Department

Advancing Cancer care through Precision Radiotherapy

Overview

The Department of Radiation Oncology is dedicated to the treatment of cancer using advanced radiation therapy techniques. Radiation therapy is a safe and effective method that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.

Overview

Our department provides comprehensive care for patients with all types of cancers, including cancers of the breast, head and neck, brain, lung, gastrointestinal system, prostate, gynecological organs, and pediatric cancers.

Overview

We focus on delivering personalized treatment, ensuring that every patient receives care tailored to their specific condition. Our team works closely with specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiology, and pathology to provide a multidisciplinary approach for the best possible outcomes. Our department is staffed by experienced radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and oncology nurses, all committed to providing compassionate and high-quality care.

When Should You Visit?

Please consult our specialized department if you experience any of these distress indicators:

Clinical Indications

  • After surgery, radiation may be advised as a treatment protocol for local treatment and reduce local recurrence – Adjuvant radiation
  • Before surgery in some cancers, radiation is given to decrease or shrink the tumor size and improve surgical outcomes (neoadjuvant therapy).
  • Certain cancers are treated with combined chemo-radiation for better control.
  • For certain cancers radiation may be the only form of treatment
  • Organ preservation in some cancers

Supportive & Specialized

  • Radiation can effectively relieve pain, bleeding, or obstruction in advanced cancers
  • For specialized treatments Such as stereotactic radiotherapy, Total Marrow Irradiation, or re-irradiation in selected cases.
Clinical Care

Conditions Treated

Head and Neck cancers

Gynecological cancers

Breast cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer

Genito Urinary cancers

Pediatric cancers

Sarcomas

Brain tumors

Lung Cancer

Skin cancers

Interventions

Treatment Options

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

This is the most common form of radiation treatment. Radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body and directed precisely at the tumor.

3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT)

Uses imaging to target tumors in three dimensions

IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy): Shapes radiation beams to match the tumor, reducing damage to nearby normal tissues

IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy)

Uses daily imaging to improve accuracy

VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy)

Delivers radiation quickly with high precision

Stereotactic Radiotherapy

A highly precise form of radiation given in a few high-dose treatments.

SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery)

Typically used for brain tumors

SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy)

Used for tumors in the lung, liver, spine, and prostate

Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation)

Radiation is delivered from inside the body using small radioactive sources placed in or near the tumor. Commonly used in cervical, uterine, prostate, and breast cancers. Allows high doses to the tumor with minimal exposure to surrounding tissues.

Total Marrow and Lymphoid Irradiation (TMLI): It is an advanced form of radiation therapy that precisely targets the bone marrow and lymphoid tissues while sparing surrounding healthy organs. It is commonly used as part of conditioning regimens before stem cell transplantation, improving treatment safety and reducing toxicity.

Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)

It is a non-invasive technology that uses real-time surface imaging to ensure accurate patient positioning and continuous monitoring during radiation delivery. It enhances precision while minimizing the need for additional radiation exposure from imaging.

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)

Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) is a technique where patients hold their breath during radiation delivery, allowing the lungs to expand and move the heart away from the treatment area. This significantly reduces radiation exposure to the heart, especially in left-sided breast cancers.

Palliative Radiation Therapy

Used to relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or pressure caused by cancer, especially in advanced stages. Focuses on improving comfort and quality of life.

Precision Assets

Technological Facilities & Software

HDR V3 Brachytherapy Unit

High Dose Rate internal radiation treatment system.

True Beam with FFF, Optima CT 580 RT

Advanced high-precision linear accelerator with Flattening Filter Free technology and dedicated simulation.

Synergy Platform

Premium linear accelerator platform with integrated imaging.

True Beam SVC

Highly versatile image-guided linear accelerator.

Go SIM CT simulator

Dedicated simulation scanner for accurate treatment planning.

Halcyon Hypersight

Ultra-fast high-image-quality radiotherapy system.

Cobalt Teletherapy Unit

Standard external beam telecobalt machine.

SGRT Vision RT systems

Advanced Surface Guided Radiation Therapy tracking system.

Heritage & History

Our Legacy

1956

The first Telecobalt therapy unit in South East Asia was installed in 1956

1969

The first indigenous radiotherapy simulator was designed and installed in 1969

1976

The First Linear accelerator in the country was installed at the institute in 1976

1979

First in India to try Hyperbaric oxygen with RT (1979).

1980

First Medical Physics Dept. in our country(40 Yrs)

1983

First Hyperthermia Unit installed at CI in 1983.

1995

First Intra Operative Radiotherapy (IORT) facility and the first indigeneously designed and built brachytherapy unit was installed in 1995

2009

First Rapid Arc Treatment installed and initiated in our country.(2009)

Distinction

Key Achievements

A testament to our pioneering contributions in medical care and research, establishing a legacy of clinical excellence.

Educational Hub

Leading center in training international and national postgraduate fellows.

University Gold Medal in MD Radiation Oncology Examination - 2024

Our team has presented posters and papers in several international and national conferences like ASTRO, FIGO, FARO, ESMO, ESTRO, ACRO, ISOCON, Global cancer congress, Indian cancer congress, AROI, IBSCON etc

Our team is National faculty for Prestigious teaching programmes like AROI ESTRO Gynec, National AROI and State AROI conferences

Participated in Quality improvement projects conducted by the National Cancer Grid

Involved in a number of randomized controlled clinical trials (Single centre and multi-centre)

Our team is recipient of ICMR grants, underwhich randomised control trials are being conducted

We are also a part of Multinational trials in the field of Gynec Oncology

Schedule a Consultation

Expert oncology care is just an appointment away. Our multidisciplinary team is here to provide you with the most advanced care in a supportive environment.

Book Appointment