Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT): A New Era of Precision Cancer Care

Over the last decade, there has been a significant development in cancer treatments owing to the technological advancements that have ensured that the procedures are safe, more accurate and comfortable for the patients. In an effort to continue its tradition of providing world-class healthcare in Eastern India, B. P. Poddar Hospital & Medical Research Ltd. is happy to announce the use of Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) through Vision RT's AlignRT® software, in partnership with Oregon Healthcare.

This new installation makes B. P. Poddar Hospital the first corporate hospital in Eastern India to deploy this innovative technology for the treatment of cancer patients.

What is Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)?

Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is a novel form of radiation therapy which employs the use of three-dimensional imaging and surface tracking in order to track the position of the patient's body during the treatment.

Whereas in traditional forms of radiotherapy techniques, there was a need for the permanent tattoos or skin marking to guide in the positioning of the patient, Surface Guided Radiotherapy eliminates the need for this entirely, hence making the procedure totally non-invasive.

Using the Vision RT software's AlignRT®, any motion that exceeds the predetermined parameters can lead to the interruption of the process of radiation.

Why Precision Matters in Radiation Therapy

The goal of radiotherapy is to target the cancerous cells without harming other vital organs and tissues in the process.

Just a small deviation, which occurs due to breathing movements or even bodily shifts, may change the effectiveness of treatment. With the use of modern devices like SGRT, such risks become much lower as the patient’s position is tracked during the entire session.

Such precision makes it possible for radiation oncologists to safely irradiate the tumor with maximum efficiency.

Introducing Vision RT's AlignRT® at B. P. Poddar Hospital

The newly installed Vision RT's AlignRT® Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) system represents one of the latest advancements in modern radiation oncology.

The technology offers:

1. Marker-free patient positioning
2. Tattoo-free radiation treatment
3. Continuous real-time monitoring
4. Improved treatment precision
5. Enhanced patient comfort
6. Greater safety throughout radiation delivery

By incorporating AlignRT® into clinical practice, B. P. Poddar Cancer Hospital continues its mission of offering globally accepted technologies for comprehensive cancer care.

Key Benefits of SGRT

1. Tattoo-Free and Non-Invasive Patient Positioning

Traditionally, many patients’ undergoing radiation therapy receive permanent or semi-permanent skin tattoos to ensure accurate positioning during every treatment session.

With Surface Guided Radiation Therapy, patient positioning is achieved without tattoos or skin markings.

This provides:

1. Greater patient comfort
2. Better cosmetic outcomes
3. Completely non-invasive treatment setup
4. Reduced emotional stress for many cancer patients

2. Continuous Monitoring During Radiation Delivery

One of the biggest advantages of Vision RT's AlignRT® is its ability to monitor the patient's position throughout treatment.
Instead of checking alignment only before treatment begins, SGRT continuously observes body movement during radiation delivery.
If unexpected movement occurs, the treatment team can immediately respond, ensuring radiation remains precisely targeted.
This additional layer of safety significantly improves treatment accuracy.

3. Respiratory Motion Management for Chest and Abdominal Tumours

Tumours located in the lungs, liver, pancreas, and other abdominal organs naturally move as patients breathe.

Treating these moving targets has traditionally been challenging.

SGRT helps manage respiratory motion by accurately tracking body movement during breathing, allowing radiation oncologists to deliver focused treatment while minimising radiation exposure to nearby healthy organs.

This is especially beneficial for patients with:

1. Lung cancer
2. Liver tumours
3. Upper abdominal cancers
4. Other thoracic malignancies

4. Better Protection for the Heart During Left-Sided Breast Cancer Treatment

One of the most important applications of SGRT is in the treatment of left-sided breast cancer.

Because the heart lies close to the left breast, conventional radiation therapy may expose portions of the heart to radiation.

Using Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold (DIBH) together with Vision RT's AlignRT®, patients are guided to take and maintain a deep breath during treatment.

This temporarily increases the distance between the heart and the breast, significantly reducing radiation exposure to the heart.

The benefits include:

1. Lower heart radiation dose
2. Reduced risk of long-term cardiac complications
3. Safer breast cancer radiotherapy
4. Improved treatment precision

A Significant Milestone in Cancer Care

The installation of Vision RT's AlignRT® Surface Guided Radiation Therapy represents another important milestone in the continuous advancement of radiation oncology services at B. P. Poddar Hospital & Medical Research Ltd.

As the first corporate hospital in Eastern India to introduce this advanced SGRT technology, the hospital strengthens its commitment to offering patients access to internationally recognised innovations in cancer treatment.

This advancement complements the hospital's comprehensive oncology services, ensuring patients receive care supported by modern technology, experienced specialists, and evidence-based treatment protocols.

Who Can Benefit from SGRT?

Surface Guided Radiation Therapy is particularly beneficial for patients receiving radiation treatment for:

1. Breast cancer
2. Lung cancer
3. Head and neck cancers
4. Liver tumours
5. Upper abdominal cancers
6. Thoracic malignancies
7. Selected prostate and pelvic cancers
8. Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT/SRS), where precise targeting is essential

Your radiation oncologist will determine whether SGRT is appropriate based on your individual treatment plan.

The Future of Radiation Therapy is Here

Modern cancer treatment is no longer just about treating disease—it is about improving precision, enhancing safety, and providing a better patient experience.

With the introduction of Vision RT's AlignRT® Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT), B. P. Poddar Hospital & Medical Research Ltd. continues to set new standards in advanced radiation oncology.

From tattoo-free treatment setup to real-time motion monitoring and improved protection of healthy organs, SGRT represents a significant advancement in patient-centred cancer care.

If you or a loved one has been advised to undergo radiation therapy, contact B. P. Poddar Cancer Hospital to learn how advanced technologies like SGRT can help deliver more accurate, safer, and more personalised treatment.