Dr Revanth M Khandke
Radiation Oncologist, FounderTrained at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru. Experienced in modern radiotherapy techniques, treatment planning, and multidisciplinary cancer management, with a clinical approach centered on precision, patient safety, and compassionate, individualized care.
Radiation Oncology is a specialised branch of medicine dedicated to the treatment of cancer and certain non-cancerous conditions using high-energy radiation.
The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and improve survival and quality of life, while carefully protecting normal healthy tissues.
How radiation therapy works
Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, electrons, or protons) to damage the DNA of cancer cells. Because cancer cells divide rapidly and repair damage poorly, they are more vulnerable to radiation than normal cells.
- Radiation stops cancer cells from growing and dividing
- Over time, damaged cancer cells die or shrink
- Normal tissues are protected through precise planning and fractionation
Types of radiation therapy
External Beam (EBRT)
Delivered from outside the body using a linear accelerator.
- 3D-CRT
- IMRT
- IGRT
- VMAT
- SRS & SBRT
Brachytherapy
A radiation source placed inside or near the tumor for a high local dose with minimal exposure elsewhere.
- Cervical cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Head & neck cancers
Systemic Radiation
Radioactive substances given orally or intravenously travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells.
- Radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer
- Radionuclide therapy for bone metastases & neuroendocrine tumors
Side effects
Side effects depend on treatment site, radiation dose, treatment duration, and patient-specific factors. They may include fatigue, skin reactions, mucositis, and gastrointestinal or urinary symptoms.
Most side effects are temporary and manageable, and long-term complications are carefully minimised through advanced planning.