Radiation Therapy
Targeted high-energy radiation — shrinks tumours before surgery and reduces local recurrence in rectal cancer.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses precisely targeted high-energy beams to damage cancer cell DNA and induce tumour shrinkage. In rectal cancer, pre-operative chemoradiation (5 weeks) or short-course radiotherapy (1 week) is delivered before surgery to downstage locally advanced tumours.
Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi coordinates radiation therapy within the multidisciplinary team. Pre-operative chemoradiation increases the chance of sphincter preservation, reduces local recurrence, and, in complete responders, enables watch-and-wait management.
Suitable for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/T4 or node-positive), with margin-threatened tumours benefiting from downstaging before surgery, or complete responders allowing organ preservation.
How the Procedure Works
Radiation Planning (Simulation)
CT planning scan maps the tumour and surrounding structures. Radiation dose planned to maximise tumour dose while protecting adjacent organs.
Pre-treatment Preparation
Tattoo marks placed on the skin for daily alignment. Bladder filling protocol followed to minimise bowel radiation exposure.
Radiation Delivery
Daily sessions Monday–Friday for 5 weeks (long-course) or 5 sessions over 1 week (short-course SCRT). Each session lasts 10–15 minutes.
Response Assessment
Pelvic MRI at 8–12 weeks assesses tumour response. Complete responders may be offered watch-and-wait. Others proceed to surgical resection.
MDT Review
All responses reviewed at MDT. Surgical planning based on imaging response and clinical examination findings.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Shrinks the tumour — improving surgical resectability and sphincter preservation
- →Reduces local recurrence from 25–30% to under 5% combined with TME
- →Short-course (1 week) delivers equivalent results with less patient inconvenience
- →Complete responders may achieve organ preservation with watch-and-wait
Neo-adjuvant radiation for rectal cancer transforms outcomes — better sphincter preservation, lower local recurrence, and for some patients, no surgery needed at all. We use it precisely and purposefully.
— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Tagore Grandhi and get a personalised treatment plan.