NEW DELHI: HCG Cancer Hospital Mumbai has reported that more than 125 prostate cancer patients have been treated using advanced radiation therapy without undergoing surgery or requiring prolonged hospital stays. The hospital said the treatments were delivered using Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) on the Versa HD radiation platform, with selected patients also receiving treatment through CyberKnife, a robotic radiation delivery system.

SBRT offers a non-surgical treatment option for selected patients

According to the hospital, SBRT delivers highly focused radiation to the tumor while limiting exposure to nearby healthy organs. For appropriately selected patients, the treatment can be completed in as few as five sessions, generally on an outpatient basis.

Unlike surgery, SBRT does not involve an incision or removal of the prostate. Patients typically return home after each session, although treatment suitability and the care process depend on individual medical circumstances.

Dr. Trinanjan Basu, Head of Department and Senior Consultant in Radiation Oncology at HCG Cancer Hospitals, Mumbai, said that surgery is not the only treatment option for prostate cancer. He emphasized that treatment decisions should consider a patient's age, cancer stage, risk category, overall health and individual requirements.

Treatment provided across different risk categories

HCG Cancer Hospital Mumbai reported treating patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer, as well as selected patients with metastatic disease. Most patients treated were between 60 and 75 years of age, while approximately 20 patients were between 75 and 85 years old.

The hospital's radiation oncology services include Versa HD, image-guided radiation therapy, SBRT and CyberKnife. HCG said its precision radiation capabilities are intended to support treatment planning and delivery for suitable patients.

Prostate cancer burden in India

The hospital cited estimates from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022), operated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization. According to the cited figures, India recorded an estimated 37,948 new prostate cancer cases in 2022, with the annual number projected to reach approximately 82,252 by 2045.

These estimates highlight the importance of awareness, early medical evaluation and access to appropriate treatment options. However, projections are not guaranteed future case counts, and individual treatment decisions must be made by qualified medical professionals.

Hospital highlights precision radiation technology

HCG Cancer Hospital Mumbai said its CyberKnife platform combines robotic precision with image guidance to support highly focused radiation treatment. The hospital described the technology as particularly useful in situations where treatment accuracy and accounting for internal movement are important to the treatment process.

The reported milestone highlights the role of radiation oncology in providing alternatives to surgery for selected prostate cancer patients. The hospital's announcement does not establish that radiation therapy is suitable for every patient or that it is superior to surgery in all cases.

Conclusion

HCG Cancer Hospital Mumbai has reported treating more than 125 prostate cancer patients through advanced radiation therapy, including SBRT using Versa HD and selected CyberKnife treatments. The approach allows eligible patients to receive treatment without an operation or prolonged hospital admission.

The hospital's announcement highlights the availability of non-surgical treatment options in prostate cancer care, while medical suitability depends on each patient's condition, cancer stage and clinical assessment.