Advanced Radiation Therapy at GCCC
Radiation oncology is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment. At Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, our radiation oncology department is equipped with state-of-the-art linear accelerators and staffed by experienced radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists who work together to deliver precise, effective treatment.
Key advantage: Our radiation therapy technology delivers treatment with sub-millimeter precision, maximizing dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue — resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects.
Our Radiation Therapy Techniques
IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy)
IMRT uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to malignant tumors. The intensity of the radiation beam can be modulated across hundreds of small beamlets, allowing the dose to conform more precisely to the three-dimensional shape of the tumor.
IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy)
IGRT incorporates imaging during radiation treatment to improve precision and accuracy. Before each treatment session, imaging is performed to verify the tumor's position, accounting for organ motion and daily anatomical variations. This is especially important for tumors in areas that move with breathing (lung, liver) or filling of the bladder (prostate).
SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)
SBRT delivers very high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors in a limited number of treatment sessions (typically 1-5). This technique is particularly effective for early-stage lung cancer, liver tumors, spinal metastases, and oligometastatic disease. SBRT achieves excellent local control rates with a convenient treatment schedule.
3D Conformal Radiation Therapy
Using three-dimensional imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT), radiation beams are shaped to match the tumor contour, allowing higher radiation doses while reducing exposure to normal tissues. This technique forms the foundation of modern external beam radiation therapy.
Cancers We Treat with Radiation
- Lung Cancer — SBRT for early stage, IMRT/IGRT for locally advanced
- Breast Cancer — Post-lumpectomy and post-mastectomy radiation
- Head & Neck Cancers — IMRT with salivary gland sparing
- Prostate Cancer — IGRT with fiducial markers and SpaceOAR hydrogel
- Rectal Cancer — Preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemoradiation
- Brain Tumors — Stereotactic radiosurgery for metastases and benign tumors
- Gynecologic Cancers — IMRT with brachytherapy integration
- Liver Cancer — SBRT as an alternative to surgery or ablation
Treatment Planning Process
Every radiation treatment plan at GCCC undergoes a rigorous quality assurance process:
- Simulation: CT-based treatment planning with immobilization devices
- Contouring: Radiation oncologist delineates target volumes and organs at risk
- Planning: Medical physicist designs the optimal beam arrangement and dose distribution
- QA Verification: Independent dose verification before treatment begins
- Daily IGRT: Image guidance before each fraction to ensure precision
- Weekly Review: Ongoing assessment of treatment response and toxicity management