External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) in India
Cancer can be destroyed with precisely aimed, high-energy radiation. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) uses controlled X-rays or protons to target and kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue—commonly for breast, prostate, lung, brain, head & neck, cervix, and spine cancers.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
EBRT precisely targets tumors to destroy cancer cells. It may be given alone or with surgery and/or chemotherapy for cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, brain, head & neck, cervix, spine, and more. It can also relieve pain or bleeding in advanced disease.
Why people choose India when this procedure is needed
- Radiation oncologists with international fellowships and experience
- NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals with LINAC, IMRT, IGRT, SBRT systems
- Access to proton therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS/SBRT)
- Costs 70–80% lower than USA/UK
- Integrated teams: physicists, dosimetrists, oncology nurses
- Strong infection control, counseling, and follow-up support
Leading Indian centers use the same platforms (Varian, Elekta, TrueBeam) as top US hospitals, delivering global-standard accuracy and safety.
How the procedure works in simple steps
EBRT is like a sniper—not a shotgun—delivering millimeter-precise radiation only where cancer exists.
- Consultation & planning: CT/MRI/PET-CT define tumor location.
- Simulation: Positioning devices (mask/cushion) ensure you stay still.
- Treatment plan: Computers shape beams to tumor size/shape/location.
- Delivery: You lie still while the LINAC rotates and treats from multiple angles; sessions are painless and brief.
- Follow-up: Regular imaging confirms response and protects healthy tissues.
Typical schedule is 5 days/week for 4–6 weeks; advanced techniques (SBRT, hypofractionation) allow shorter courses.
Who should consider this and when to wait
- Localized tumors or limited spread amenable to radiation
- When surgery isn’t feasible due to location or health risks
- For symptom control (pain, bleeding, obstruction)
Timing may be adjusted if there’s unresolved infection, poor wound healing, severe anemia, or prior high-dose radiation to the same area. Your oncologist will advise using EBRT alone or with surgery/chemo/immunotherapy.
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Benefits
- Non-invasive and painless
- Targets cancer precisely while sparing healthy tissue
- Useful before/after surgery and across many body areas
- Effective for symptom relief in advanced cases
Possible side effects (vary by site, usually temporary)
- Fatigue and mild skin redness
- Hair loss in treated region
- Sore throat or swallowing difficulty (head & neck)
- Mild nausea or diarrhea (abdomen/pelvis)
Most effects are managed with rest, skincare, medicines, and nutrition support.
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- During treatment: Mild fatigue, local redness/dryness may occur.
- Weeks 2–4 post: Side effects ease; energy returns.
- Months 2–3: Skin/mucosal tissues heal completely.
- 3+ months: Scans track tumor response and remission.
Patient moment “I felt no pain during radiation in India. Six months later my PSA was normal and I was back to work.”
Cost overview without surprises
| Type of Radiation Therapy | Average Cost (USD) | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional EBRT (3D-CRT) | 2500 – 4000 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| IMRT / IGRT (Advanced Precision) | 4000 – 6000 | 4 – 6 weeks |
| SBRT / SRS (High-Precision Short-Course) | 6000 – 9000 | 1 – 2 weeks |
Final cost depends on tumor site, machine type, and hospital. Personalized quotes are provided after planning.
How to compare hospitals and specialists with confidence
Choose a radiation center like selecting a skilled archer—precision equipment and expertise matter most.
- NABH or JCI accreditation
- Latest-generation LINACs (TrueBeam, Versa HD, Halcyon)
- Oncologist’s experience in image-guided therapy
- Dedicated dosimetry & physics team for plan quality
- Multidisciplinary tumor board review
Ask about planning software, daily imaging (IGRT), and side-effect management protocols.
Questions people often ask before this treatment
Is radiation therapy painful?
No—treatment is painless; you won’t feel the radiation.
Will I lose hair or skin color?
Only in the treated area; it typically regrows/heals within months.
Can radiation cure cancer?
Yes for many early-stage cancers; in advanced disease it controls or shrinks tumors.
How safe is EBRT?
Modern machines deliver millimeter-precise doses minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
Can I continue daily life?
Most patients continue normal routines with modest rest.
Video testimonials from real patients
Watch journeys of patients who underwent radiation therapy in India—showing precision care, comfort, and hope.
Important care note so that every reader stays safe
Keep treated skin clean and dry; avoid scratching; use only doctor-prescribed creams. Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition to help tissues recover faster.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews radiation oncology and cancer treatment content for Treatmentcost.com to ensure accuracy, transparency, and patient safety.
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Radiation therapy must be planned and supervised by qualified specialists using proper imaging and dosimetry.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost