Head of Department of Radiation Oncology of Near East University Hospital, Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu, expressed that cancer treatment required a multidisciplinary approach and used for cancer treatment, radiotherapy had evolved greatly due to the technological advancements made in the last couple of years. She added that the RapidArc-radiation therapy device used for cancer treatment which delivers intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with speed and precision was used at the Near East University Hospital. Furthermore, the device was much more effective compared to others, breath hold techniques, that sends beams that are continually shaped and modulated to conform to the shape of the tumour; alongside being delivered from nearly all angles. This in return results in better tumour targeting and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, Head of department of Radiation Oncology, Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu, made a statement and explained that when the intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was administered, healthy tissue surrounding the tumour was preserved and not damaged. Additionally, the treatment lasted 1-1,5 months and that the patients received treatment every day. She added that it was a key challenge in radiotherapy to maximise radiation doses to cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu further explained that with the use of image guided radiotherapy (IGRT), the previously prepared treatment plan is compared to the treatment plan. This comparison is made by the images retrieved by the radiographic tomography placed on the device. Therefore, the position of the patient is checked and the volume of the treatment is controlled; when/if necessary the patients’ bed is automatically shifted, enabling to administer the treatment to the correct location; rather than applying it to the wrong place due to movement.
Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu pointed out that especially with prostate cancers and cervix cancers, the fullness of the intestines and the bladder affected daily changes to the treatment area. Thus, she emphasised the significance of using image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for the success in the treatment of lower abdomen tumours.
The radiotherapy treatment administered at the Near East University Hospital is planned and administered in accordance with each person’s personal anatomy...
Real-Time Position Management (RPM) Respiratory gating is a video-based system that allows for clean imaging and treatment which is accurate and is comfortable for the patient and it accommodates both breath hold and free breathing protocols. Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu further asserted that throughout the treatment, the patient’s breathing was monitored and when the patient takes in a deep breath, the thoracic wall and the breast are applied rays. She pointed out that especially the radiotherapy of the left thoracic wall and breast affects the coronary artery which supplies blood to the left ventricle of the heart increased the risk of vascular occlusion such that; 10-15 years after the treatment, these patients have a higher risk of encountering a heart attack. In this regard, Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu stated that the technology offered at the Near East University Hospital prevented the complications mentioned above and played a vital role in a patient’s life.
The RapidArc which can be used for the treatment of all cancer types is only avaibale at the Near East University Hospital in Cyprus!
Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu proudly expressed that including the radiotherapy oncology centres in South Cyprus, Near East University Hospital was the only health institution which offers RapidArc for the treatment of patients, including IGRT and RPM.
Radiotherapy Treatments offered at the Near East University Hospital are administered by specialist teams with the use of latest technological devices...
Head of Department of Radiation Oncology of Near East University Hospital Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu stressed that treatment plans made with the assistance of most contemporary technologies was rather significant as well as the importance of having competent specialists who are able to administer the treatment. She pointed out that in order to reduce serious side effects; radiotherapy treatment of each patient was especially tailored for individually after a period of meticulous work. Prof. Dr. Meltem Nalça Andrieu ended her words by stating that good rapport built with patients eased and facilitated the adaptation and the success rate of the treatment; in addition to having a positive impact on coping with immediate side effects.