Mangaluru: The Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, KMC Hospital in Attavar, now offers state of the art 3D High Dose Rate Brachytherapy with In Vivo Dosimetry. This allows for accurate dose measurements and treatment delivery. This technology is first of its kind in the coastal region.

This 3D High Dose Rate Brachytherapy was inaugurated by Mangaluru South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath. Medical Superintendent of KMC Hospital Dr. John T Ramapuram said, “KMC Hospital, Attavar is the first hospital in Dakshina Kannada district to start comprehensive cancer care centre. We will not compromise on the quality and KMC Hospitals has always been a pioneer in top quality medical care, be it equipment or competitive doctors as well as highly trained personnel comparable with the world class standards.”

Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy where radiation is given to the patient using medical radiation isotopes like Cobalt 60, Iridium 192 etc., by placing hollow metal needles or plastic catheters either inside or on the surface of the body. Radiation is typically delivered few minutes once or twice daily over 1 to 3 days depending upon the type of tumour.

Placement of the hollow needles requires short term general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia following which the actual treatment delivery is done in a conscious state. The treatment itself is painless. This kind of radiation therapy gives very high doses of radiation to small targeted areas in the body avoiding normal body structures.

Brachytherapy is usually used in conjunction with external beam radiotherapy. It is indicated in cancers of female genital tract, head and neck cancers, oesophageal cancers, prostate cancers etc.

DK District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Ramakrishna Rao, District Surgeon Dr. Rajeshwari Devi, Superintendent of Govt Lady Goschen Hospital Dr. Savitha B S, paediatrician Dr. M Haridas, General Practitioner Dr. K G Bhat among others were present.