What is the Difference between Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy?
Chemotherapy Costs in India, Medaviate (Healthcare Facilitator)
Often, cancer treatment involves a combination of treatments that are tailored to the individual patient’s diagnosis and medical history. Two of the most commonly prescribed therapies are chemotherapy and radiation. Both are destructive to cancerous cells, but they go about it in rather different ways. The following is an explanation of how they differ so that patients and their loved ones can better decide on their options.
This blog talks about chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the differences, application, and how it contributes to fighting cancer.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment where drugs are administered in order to destroy cells that are rapidly reproduce in the body. This type of treatment is especially useful in cases of cancer that has metastasized.
How Chemotherapy Works
- Chemotherapy drugs kill cells that multiply rapidly. Among the cells affected are the cancerous cells and other healthy cells.
- It is administered through:
- Intravenous (IV): Injected directly into the blood.
- Oral: Taken as pills or capsules.
- Injections: Injected into specific body parts.
- The treatment is administered in cycles. This gives time for the body to recover.
Applications of Chemotherapy
- Curative: To eradicate cancer cells entirely.
- Adjuvant Therapy: To prevent recurrence after surgery or radiation.
- Palliative Care: To alleviate symptoms when cancer has progressed.
Chemotherapy Prices in India
India is also famous for world-class cancer treatment at very affordable prices. Chemotherapy in India is much cheaper than in Western countries, and hence, it has become a hub for international patients. Facilitators like Medaviate help the patient access top hospitals and expert oncologists seamlessly.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a localized treatment in which the high energy rays like X-rays or protons destroy or damage cancer cells located in one specific area of the body. Unlike chemotherapy, it does not move throughout the body.
How Radiation Therapy Works
- Radiation interferes with the DNA in the cancer cells and stops them from reproducing.
- There are two types:
- External Beam Radiation: Beams come from the outside of the body.
- Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Radioactive materials are placed inside or near the tumor.
- Treatment sessions are usually short and given daily over several weeks.
Applications of Radiation Therapy
- Curative: To eradicate localized cancers.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: To reduce tumors before surgery.
- Palliative Care: To alleviate pain and other symptoms in advanced cancer patients.
Key Differences between Chemotherapy and Radiation
Aspect | Chemotherapy | Radiation Therapy |
Mode of Action | Uses drugs to target rapidly dividing cells. | Uses high-energy beams to damage cancer cells. |
Application Area | Systemic: Affects the entire body. | Localized: Targets a specific area. |
Delivery Method | Oral, IV, or injections. | External beams or internal implants |
Treatment Duration | Cycles over weeks or months. | Daily sessions over weeks. |
Side Effects | Hair loss, nausea, fatigue, immune suppression. | Skin irritation, localized pain, fatigue. |
Best Hospitals in India for Chemotherapy and Radiation
India boasts some of the finest healthcare institutions, equipped with advanced technologies for chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With expert guidance from Medaviate Healthcare Facilitator, patients can access world-class care tailored to their needs. Here’s a quick overview of top hospitals:
- Apollo Hospitals: A leader in oncology, Apollo offers cutting-edge technologies like IMRT and IGRT and comprehensive cancer care. Locations in Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad make it highly accessible.
- Medanta – The Medicity: Known for innovative therapies such as Tomotherapy and CyberKnife, Medanta delivers precision treatment along with holistic patient support.
- Fortis Healthcare: With VMAT and SRS technology, Fortis excels in both radiation and chemotherapy. Its multidisciplinary approach ensures the best outcomes.
- Max Healthcare: Specializing in Proton Beam Therapy, Max offers integrated cancer care services, focusing on both medical and emotional support for patients.
- Marengo Asia Hospitals: Equipped with modern LINAC machines, Marengo delivers tailored chemotherapy and advanced radiation therapies with patient-centric care.
Medaviate Healthcare Facilitator plays a crucial role in simplifying access to these leading hospitals, ensuring seamless consultations, and guiding patients through the treatment journey. India’s healthcare landscape, supported by Medaviate, offers both advanced medical care and affordability, making it a trusted destination for cancer treatment.
How Medaviate Makes Cancer Treatment Easy
Cancer treatment is something that is difficult to understand. Patients can look forward to Medaviate as a trusted healthcare facilitator will get them to the best oncologists and hospitals in India. Medaviate help also includes:
- Guide the patient in terms of treatment.
- Help get access to leading cancer centres.
- Chemotherapy Cost in India- Information
- Treatments made simple for Indian as well as International patients
Conclusion
When battling cancer, understanding the differences between chemotherapy and radiation therapy is crucial for making informed decisions about treatment options. Each approach offers unique benefits, targeting cancer cells through systemic or localized methods. India, with its state-of-the-art healthcare facilities like Apollo Hospitals, Medanta, Fortis, Max, and Marengo Asia Hospitals, provides exceptional cancer care at affordable costs.
Medaviate Healthcare Facilitator plays an indispensable role in connecting patients to these top hospitals, offering expert guidance and seamless treatment access. Whether you’re seeking clarity on chemotherapy costs or navigating complex cancer therapies, Medaviate simplifies the process, ensuring patients and their families focus on healing and recovery.