My Vision

I want every cancer patient in the world to understand how stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR) can help them live longer and live better in their fight against cancer.

Radiotherapy kills cancer cells where ever it is targeted. The higher the radiotherapy dose the greater the chance of killing every last cancer cell. But higher doses can also damage normal cells. This is an issue with all cancer treatments. Surgeons have to cut through and damage or remove normal healthy cells before they get to tumours. Cancer drugs, even if they are targeted or using your own immune system (immunotherapy) travel throughout your body and cause side effects when they damage normal cells.

A/Prof Sasha Senthi

At Connected Radiotherapy, a globally recognised expert in the use of stereotactic radiotherapy will review your case and determine how it can help you. We will compare and show you which radiotherapy machine is best for you. Perhaps you’ve been told you need surgery or drug treatment, perhaps you’ve been told stereotactic radiotherapy is not an option or perhaps you just want to want to ensure you have the best possible care.

Understanding your options

Radiotherapy technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The result of these advances is stereotactic (ablative) radiotherapy (SABR or SBRT), which can stop tumours growing permanently and has a low risk of side effects. Different radiotherapy machines (including Linacs, Cyberknife, Gamma Knife or Proton therapy) use slightly different technologies to achieve this same aim. The are advantages and disadvantages with each of these for any given tumour depending on where it is.

FAQ

what is radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy waves to treat different types of cancer. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, making it difficult for them to grow and reproduce.

There are two main types of radiotherapy: external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and internal beam radiotherapy (IBRT).

Why are there different machines?

Different machines are used in radiotherapy depending on the type of treatment being given. For external beam radiotherapy, a linear accelerator (LINAC) is typically used. This machine delivers high-energy beams of radiation to the tumour site from outside the body.

For internal beam radiotherapy, also known as brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed next to or inside the tumour. This type of treatment is often used for cancers of the cervix, uterus, and prostate.

What are the cost involved?

80-90% of radiation oncology costs can be covered by Medicare, and private chemotherapy or blood disorder treatments can be covered by private health insurance.