Radiation Oncology is an integral part of the multidisciplinary management of cancer. It utilizes high-energy X-rays/photons to destroy cancer cells. It functions by targeting and maximizing the dose to the tumour while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. Approximately 60 to 70 % of all the cancer patients require radiation therapy at some point during their treatment. Radiation Oncology Our Radiation Oncology department was established in May 1997, beginning with a Cobalt-60 machine for treatment. We then advanced to the Linac IX in year 2013, which was among the finest machines of its era.

In keeping with continual technological evolution and modern global practices, we have now upgraded to the state-of-the-art Halcyon linear accelerator-a cutting-edge, top-of-the-line machine dedicated to benefiting our patients.
The Halcyon is developed by Varian Medical Systems US, a company that has been at the forefront of innovative advances in LINAC technology for decades. The main tenet of the Halcyon design is to ensure and enhance patient comfort and safety while being operator friendly.
· Its ring gantry increases mechanical stability for precise beam delivery and rotates four times faster than a standard LINAC, allowing for faster IMRT treatments.
· Its cone beam CT guidance captures images in less than 15 seconds. The 6 MV FFF (Flattening Filter Free) design enables a very high dose rate, which is ideal for precision radiotherapy.
· The wide bore feels less confining, and the quiet, calm environment features nearly silent operation.
· The low treatment couch makes getting on and o easier.

The Halcyon system oers the following treatments which we routinely do in our department.
* Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): This delivers a very high dose of radiation by means of highly focused beams under image guidance specifically in CNS, Liver and Lung cancer patients.
* Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): This is a rotational IMRT technique that is quicker and more ecient.
* Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT): This allows radiation doses to conform to the threedimensional shape of the tumour by modulating the intensity of the radiation beam. All these highly conformal treatments techniques require high resolution image guidance which is an integral part of our LINAC machine.
Our department is also equipped with a Varian Gamma Med plus Ix HDR Brachytherapy system. This technology enables brachytherapy-a highly precise form of radiotherapy where a radioactive source is placed directly at or near the tumour site within the body.
This plays an important part in treating many Gynecological cancers, soft tissue sarcomas and oral cavity cancers.