Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): общие сведения

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in India is an advanced form of intensity-modulated radiotherapy in which the treatment machine rotates around the patient while continuously varying radiation dose, beam shape and delivery speed. It can be used for selected cancers when highly conformal treatment is needed to cover the tumour while limiting dose to nearby healthy organs. VMAT is a radiation-delivery technique rather than a separate cancer diagnosis or stand-alone treatment pathway.

Before treatment, patients undergo a radiation-oncology assessment and planning CT, with MRI or PET/CT incorporated when clinically useful. The team defines the tumour target and surrounding organs at risk, then creates and verifies an individual dose plan. Immobilisation devices and image guidance are used to improve treatment reproducibility. The number of fractions depends on cancer type, stage, treatment intent and the prescribed radiation schedule.

VMAT may be used for head-and-neck, prostate, brain, lung, pelvic and other cancers when the geometry and clinical objective make arc-based IMRT appropriate. It does not automatically offer a better outcome than every other radiotherapy technique; the advantage depends on dosimetry, treatment speed, organ sparing and the specific clinical plan.

The cost of VMAT in India depends on the cancer site, planning complexity, number of fractions, image guidance and the radiotherapy centre. Chemotherapy, brachytherapy or other oncology treatment may be separate.

India offers access to radiation oncologists, medical physicists and tertiary cancer centres with modern linear accelerators, image-guided radiotherapy and treatment-planning systems. Medical Help India can connect you with a suitable healthcare partner whose team can review pathology, staging scans and previous treatment and advise whether VMAT is appropriate.

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