Treatment at HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad

Cancers are treated the best with a multimodal approach. Combining two or more treatment modalities could have a positive impact on the effectiveness of the overall therapy and the response shown by patients. At HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, we have key cancer treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy and nuclear medicine available under one roof.

Radiation Oncology

Reports show that 80% of cancer patients need radiation therapy as one of their cancer treatments, which makes it one of the pillars of cancer treatment.

HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, was the first hospital in India, to get approval to use the Flattening Filter Free (FFF) mode technology for cancer treatment. The radiation oncology department at HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, houses high-end radiation delivery platforms, namely TomoTherapy H and TrueBeam.

• TomoTherapy H: TomoTherapy H is an amalgamation of computerised tomography (CT scan) and high-energy radiotherapy. This technology allows specialists to sculpt the X-ray to match with complex shape or size of a tumour. The advanced in-built CT helps track the body movements and make any necessary on table adjustments to correct any shifts or movements prior to the delivery of radiation. This minimises damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
• TrueBeam: TrueBeam is a high-end linear accelerator that is designed to treat cancer cells with enhanced speed and accuracy. TrueBeam treats cancer like lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, head & neck cancer etc.with fewer treatment complications.

Following are the radiation therapy facilities that are available at HCG to treat a broad spectrum of cancers:

• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
• Image-guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
• Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
• Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)
• 3D – Conformal Radiotherapy (3D CRT)
• 2D – Conventional Radiotherapy
• Palliative Radiotherapy

The centre also has a Brachytherapy unit to deliver internal beam radiation therapy. Brachytherapy comes with fewer side effects and allows superior precision radiation delivery. Brachytherapy is used to treat prostate cancers, gynaecological cancers such as cervical and endometrial cancers, head and neck cancers, rectal cancers, etc.

The treatment administered is constantly monitored by the expert team, and the comfort of the patients is prioritised at all phases of the treatment.

Surgical Oncology

Surgery is one of the pivotal cancer treatment modalities. Surgeries could help with the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of various cancer types. HCG’s surgical oncology department offers the latest in surgical expertise including robotic surgeries and supports better quality of life with consideration for cosmesis and rehabilitation with a shorter hospital stay.

Over the years, the team has moved towards a more radical approach of organ preservation, shorter hospital stays, less postoperative morbidity and minimal invasiveness.

The centre houses the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which is one of the world’s most advanced robotic surgery platforms for complex and challenging cancer cases. We have experienced specialists who have received training from reputed institutes to perform these surgeries. The key benefits of robotic surgery include greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualisation and improved access.

Our surgeons are also skilled in performing reconstruction surgeries, help in restoring the structure and functioning of the organs affected by cancer and improve the quality of life in patients.

Our surgical oncologists are experts in performing both open and minimally invasive surgeries for head & neck cancers, breast cancers, GI cancers, gynaecological cancers, urological cancers, bone and soft tissue cancers.

Medical Oncology

Medical Oncology is a treatment speciality in cancer care, which uses chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy and supportive/palliative care to support appropriate patient care in an effective manner. The medical oncology team at HCG works in conjunction with other oncological specialities in order to achieve better clinical outcomes. The medical oncology team at HCG works towards prevention, precise diagnosis and optimal, state of the art, customised treatment of cancer. We specialise in ambulatory/home chemotherapy for some tumours in addition to in-patient / day-care chemotherapy. Our medical oncology department is made capable of treating all solid tumours as well as haematological cancers in adults and children.

Novel services provided by HCG’s Medical Oncology Department

Chemotherapy (chemo) is one of the cancer treatment modalities and is a systemic therapy that uses potent drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells that grow quickly, but they may also harm healthy cells that have rapid growth. At HCG, we have innovative treatment approaches to ease the symptoms caused by chemotherapy and also improve the patient’s response towards this treatment.

In addition to regular chemotherapy, we offer a variety of unique treatments to our patients.

• Implantable port or port-a-cathA port is implanted by a surgeon or anaesthetist, usually under local anaesthetic or conscious sedation. The catheter is inserted into the chest or upper arm through the skin.Ports might stay open for weeks, months, or even years. Usage of ports helps in,
  • Reducing the number of needle sticks
  • Administering therapies that last more than a single day; the needle can stay in the port for several days.
  • Administering more than one treatment or medication at a time
  • Performing blood testing and administering chemotherapy on the same day with just 1 needle stick
• >Ambulatory / Home chemotherapyThis infusion system is a disposable, non-electronic, ambulatory infusion device that provides continuous infusion for 12 hours to 7 days. It’s made for ambulatory drug regimens that require a steady infusion.This approach does not demand an overnight stay and patients can go back to their home on the same day of infusion. Staying at home allows patients to be in a more comfortable environment while receiving complete nursing and medical care. A small portable pump, which can be carried in a sling bag or waist bag, is commonly used to administer chemo drugs.This causes minimum disruption to the routine for patients and allows them to have a more private and independent life away from the hospital. Our nursing staff will be available to disconnect the pump and needle after the therapy is completed (the pump is deflated).
• “Cool caps”Scalp cooling, sometimes known as “cold caps,” has been found to be an effective technique to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss, with high levels of retention or complete hair preservation. For patients, this translates to having better control over their therapy, unhampered privacy, and also having a positive attitude toward treatment.Patients should use the caps or scalp cooling system for the following periods during each chemotherapy session:
  • 20 to 50 minutes before
  • during
  • after
  The amount of time that a patient is expected to wear the cold caps may vary depending on the type of chemotherapy administered.

Palliative Care/ Pain Management

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with advanced-stage cancers. People with cancer may receive palliative care at any time from the point of diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.

Palliative care primarily focuses on managing the symptoms caused due to cancer, which could be pain or other discomfort and supporting a better quality of life for patients. While delivering palliative care, we consider the hardships of both the patients and their caregivers and ensure to provide a humane and dignified end to the patient’s suffering.

Our pain management specialists are trained in managing cancer pain, back pain, leg pain, chronic pain, post-operative pain, neuralgic pain, headache and palliative care.

Following are the facilities available at HCG’s pain clinic:

• Nerve Mapper / Locator / Stimulator
• Operation Theatre with C-Arm and Monitor
• Intrathecal / Epidural Implant

Nuclear Medicine

The nuclear medicine department at HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, is well-equipped and is enabled to deliver high-end and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions like PET CT imaging, radioactive iodine ablation therapy for thyroid cancers and other thyroid-related disorders.

Following are the scope of services available:

• GA 68 – DOTA & PSMA PET-CT scan
• PET-CT scan with or without MRI fusion-based accurate lesion localisation, diagnosis and staging
• PET-CT-based radiotherapy planning
• PET-CT-based treatment response evaluation (PERCIST)
• PET-CT-based biopsy guidance

Other services at HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad

Speech and Swallowing Therapy

HCG Cancer Centre offers a comprehensive range of speech and swallowing services for head and neck cancer patients. Techniques can include, but are not limited to the following:

• Articulation improvement
• Aphasia/Language therapy
• Cognitive retraining for memory and attention
• Swallowing therapy
• Voice improvement

Onco-dietetics

Onco-dietetics is aimed at making cancer patients feel better & stay stronger. Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of cancer, keeping patients healthier during treatment and combating side effects and illness.

Psycho-Oncology

The psycho-oncology team at HCG is a brilliant amalgamation of highly qualified, skilled and empathetic psycho-oncologists and psychiatrists. Every psychological intervention is carefully planned with the treating oncologists as the integral parts of the system to ensure comprehensive cancer care.

Genomics

Cancer care at HCG is supported by genomics-based diagnostics. It helps our specialists devise precise and personalised treatment plans for a broad spectrum of cancers.

Home Healthcare

Through HCG Home Healthcare, we focus on delivering world-class medical care to the doorstep of the patients who are recovering from a medical procedure or are home-bound due to age or chronic illness. HCG Home Healthcare offers a carefully designed set of patient-oriented services that save time, offer comfort and also help curb unnecessary expenses. Following are the advantages of HCG Home Healthcare:

• Specialist doctor’s guidance and monitoring for the patient
• Provides care for the patient even at home
• Early identification & management of any ailment
• Supportive care by expert hospital staff

Pink Hope Support Group

Pink Hope Support Group is involved with corporates in conducting several awareness drive programs across the country and in multiple community development programs giving the cancer survivors a forum to come out in the open and share their experience and provide moral support to cancer patients.

Other services include endoscopy, intensive care, ambulance service and pharmacy.

Number Of Beds

100. ICU-12

Operation Theatres

5

No Of Doctor

NA

Infrastructure of HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad

• This full-fledged cancer centre is equipped with all major oncology facilities and is made capable of delivering comprehensive cancer care.
• The hospital consists of 100 beds.
• The hospital OT complex comprises 5 operation theatres with the latest technology equipment.
• The OPD rooms and the waiting areas are spacious and create an ambient setting for patients.
• The patient wards are available as per the needs of the patients.
• HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad houses a modern and well-equipped ICU that supports effective critical care management.
• Palliative care department is also set up at the centre to support symptom management among terminally ill cancer patients and help improve their quality of life.
• We have dedicated unit managers and helplines to ensure that all our patients’ treatment requirements are met, and they complete their cancer journey without any hassles.