Hyderabad: American Oncology Institute (AOI) at Citizens Specialty Hospital in Hyderabad, successfully treated a 64-year-old patient diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. Under the care of Dr Harjot Kaur Bajwa, Radiation Oncologist and Brachytherapy specialist, the patient received radiotherapy along with brachytherapy for precise, internal radiation. The treatment followed a comprehensive and targeted radiotherapy approach, combining daily online adaptive radiotherapy followed by Interstitial Brachytherapy, demonstrating promising results in combating cervical cancer.
Of all cancer types prevalent among women in the Hyderabad district, 8.7 percent are cervical cancer cases. As of early 2024, cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women in India, with Telangana witnessing high case numbers, especially in districts such as Adilabad, Khammam, and Medak. Despite cervical cancer being the second most common type of cancer among women after breast cancer, many doctors report that its prevalence is nearly on par with breast cancer, particularly in rural areas.
Mrs. Aruna Shetty (name changed) was diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer in September 2023. The disease was very extensive and was blocking one side ureter resulting in urinary obstruction and hydro nephrosis. Given the complexity of her condition, AOI’s multidisciplinary team designed a personalized treatment plan to target the cancer cells while minimizing side effects. “The use of daily adaptive radiotherapy enabled us to take care of the variation in organ movement and adapt to the shrinkage of tumour over time. After completion of external radiation, the residual tumour was destroyed using MRI based interstitial brachytherapy. The use of highly advanced radiotherapy and brachytherapy technology enabled us to achieve a complete response and cure the patient with minimal side effects. The urinary obstruction and hydronephrosis also reversed after tumour shrinkage resulting in excellent quality of life of the patient” said Dr Harjot Kaur Bajwa.
The treatment process included precise planning and patient comfort measures. The patient underwent multiple imaging procedures to map the cancer’s location accurately, and with the help of advanced technology, the doctors ensured that radiation was targeted precisely, reducing the impact on surrounding tissues.
The treatment also involved a specialized procedure known as interstitial brachytherapy, which delivered radiation directly to the affected area through high-dose applicators. The use of MRI imaging to map the target during brachytherapy helps to concentrate the radiation within the tumor, increasing the treatment's effectiveness.
"Our goal with the patient’s treatment was to ensure the cancer was precisely targeted while keeping her comfort a top priority," said Dr Harjot Kaur Bajwa, Radiation Oncologist and brachytherapy specialist. "The combination of EBRT and brachytherapy is highly effective for cervical cancer, as EBRT targets larger tumor areas, while brachytherapy delivers a concentrated dose directly to the cervix, sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This dual approach improves local control of the tumor, enhances survival rates, and reduces the risk of recurrence, particularly in advanced stages."
The patient’s journey exemplifies AOI’s commitment to utilizing the latest technology in Cancer Care, guided by a compassionate, patient-first approach.
