Paras Health Panchkula has successfully treated a 66-year-old patient with complex rectosigmoid cancer using advanced precision radiation therapy, while safely preserving her transplanted kidney. The patient had undergone a renal transplant 11 years ago after both kidneys failed and had been on long-term immunosuppressive medication since then.
Given her fragile medical condition, she was not considered fit for surgery, and chemotherapy posed significant risks. This made radiation therapy the most suitable treatment option. However, the case presented a major clinical challenge as both the tumour and the transplanted kidney were located in the pelvic region, requiring highly precise planning to treat the cancer without harming the functioning organ.
The radiation oncology team at Paras Health Panchkula used Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), an advanced technique that enables accurate tumour targeting while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. A total dose of 50.4 Gy was delivered in 28 fractions over approximately 5.3 weeks, ensuring effective tumour control with minimal risk to the kidney.
Dr. Romeeta Trehan, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, said that modern radiation therapy allows highly personalised and targeted treatment with minimal side effects, even in complex cases. She noted that despite advancements, awareness around radiation therapy remains limited, leading to hesitation among patients.
Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Facility Director, Paras Health Panchkula, added, “In cases where conventional treatments are not viable, precision radiation offers an effective alternative. With advanced technology and meticulous planning, we can not only control the disease but also preserve critical organs and maintain the patient’s quality of life, especially in cases with complex medical histories.”
The patient responded well to the treatment, with regular monitoring of blood counts and kidney function throughout the therapy. A follow-up PET-CT scan conducted one and a half months later confirmed complete resolution of the cancer. Importantly, the transplanted kidney remained fully functional, with no radiation-related side effects reported.