An Overview Of Various Types Of Radiotherapy In Singapore

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Cancer is a complex disease that affects different regions and organs of the body, which necessitates a variety of treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy to treat it effectively. Learn more about the various types of radiotherapy that a radiation oncologist in Singapore uses to treat cancer.

External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)

External Beam Radiotherapy, or EBRT, is the most commonly used form of radiation therapy by radiation oncologists in Singapore. It involves the directing and focusing of a beam of radioactive particles by a machine towards the affected area. The radiation damages the DNA of cancerous cells and causes them to be destroyed, while healthy cells are able to regrow and restore healthy function over time. EBRT is used to get rid of cancerous tumours, in conjunction before or after another cancer treatment, and to reduce pain and other symptoms for advanced cancers.

There are various forms of EBRT that radiation oncologists in Singapore utilise, such as 3D CRT, IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, SBRT, and SRS. Each of these treatments has their own speciality, which can range from treating small and localised tumours, acting as radiosurgery in the case of SRS, as well as delivering high doses of radiation to greatly shorten overall treatment timelines. EBRT treats many types of cancers, such as prostate, neck, lung, brain, and spine, amongst others. At our clinic at Mount Elizabeth, our radiation doctor specialises in the application of various EBRTs, ensuring that patients receive effective diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Proton Therapy

Proton therapy functions using a similar principle to EBRT in that it utilises a stream of charged particles directed at the body to destroy cancer cells. The main difference is that while EBRT utilises X-rays and gamma rays to do so, proton therapy utilises a stream of positively-charged protons instead. A key advantage of using protons is that they do not scatter radiation as they travel through the body to deposit their energy at the targeted region, allowing for effective focusing of energy as well as reduced damage to healthy tissue and vital organs. In turn, this reduces side effects in patients and speeds up their recovery.

Proton therapy is effective at treating localised tumours that have not spread to other parts of the body, as well as cancers of the central nervous system, head, neck, lung, and prostate. It can also be used for patients whom the cancer has recurred. As a novel procedure, proton therapy is still not widespread at many treatment locations. Singapore will have its first proton therapy centre at the Proton Centre at Biopolis which will open 1st Quarter 2022. Dr Johann Tang will offer proton therapy at the Proton Centre at Biopolis to promote patients’ wellbeing and reduce side effects, allowing them to use it in conjunction with other forms of cancer treatment.

Brachytherapy

In contrast to both EBRT and proton therapy which direct radiation from outside the body to treat affected areas, brachytherapy places radioactive sources directly or next to cancerous tumours inside the patient’s body. This allows for the precise targeting of tumour cells while minimising damage to healthy tissue and organs, reducing side effects of treatment. Radiation oncologists in Singapore often use brachytherapy in conjunction with EBRT to increase the overall effectiveness of destroying cancerous cells in patients and helping them make a full recovery.

Brachytherapy can be either high dose rate (HDR) or low dose rate (LDR), which differ based on the length of time that the radioactive sources are in place. HDR brachytherapy treatments are delivered over a period of 10-20 minutes, and are frequently used in the treatment of cervix, endometrial, prostate, and breast cancer. LDR brachytherapy is usually delivered over a longer duration or even permanently, in the case of inserting radioactive ‘seeds’ into the affected region; and helps in the treatment of prostate and brain cancer.

Dr Tang is an experienced radiation doctor in Singapore located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. Get in touch with us today to arrange for an appointment and consultation.