Amethyst Radiotherapy Austrai David on Precision Tumour Care
, , ,

Inside Amethyst Austria: Dr David on Precision Tumour Care

Transforming Cancer Treatment in Austria—With Precision and Compassion

At Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be life-changing—for both patients and their families. That’s why we are committed to delivering fast, accurate, and non-invasive treatment using state-of-the-art radiosurgery technologies, supported by a compassionate, patient-first approach. As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations at Wiener Privatklinik (WPK), Dr David was invited to speak about our pivotal role in shaping the future of tumour care in Austria.

 

▶ Watch the full interview to hear Dr David share how we integrate innovation, medical expertise, and patient care to improve lives.

 

Why Patients Choose Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria

Our centre specialises in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)—a technique that delivers precisely focused radiation to tumours while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This advanced, non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery avoids the need for incisions, hospitalisation, or prolonged recovery.

As Dr David outlines, our approach to care is built on four key pillars:

    • Pinpoint Tumour Location
      We use advanced diagnostic imaging systems—including MRI, CT, and PET scans—to map tumours with millimetre-level accuracy.
    • Non-Invasive Treatment Delivery
      Our Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator delivers highly targeted radiation without any surgical intervention.
    • Rapid Access to Treatment
      With no long waiting lists, we offer same-day consultation and treatment planning, ensuring timely care.
    • Tailored Treatment Pathways
      Each patient benefits from a personalised care plan, based on their specific diagnosis and medical needs.

 

Our Centre Within WPK, Powered by Amethyst

Situated within Wiener Privatklinik (WPK)—Austria’s only private hospital—Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria merges WPK’s exceptional clinical environment with Amethyst’s expertise in advanced, non-invasive tumour care. As part of the Amethyst Healthcare Group—one of Europe’s largest and most experienced radiotherapy providers—we deliver internationally recognised cancer care standards with the personalised attention of a local specialist team.

 

Take the Next Step Towards Personalised Cancer Care

We are committed to offering bespoke cancer treatment tailored to each individual’s needs. From initial consultation to treatment and follow-up, every stage is guided by precision, compassion, and efficiency. Combining medical innovation with human understanding, our expert team provides rapid access to trusted, non-invasive tumour care in a calm, professional, and supportive environment you can rely on.

Oncology Patients - radiotherapy

Amethyst Associate Launches Radiovaccine For Oncology Patients

New Amethyst Radiotherapy associate Dr Slavisa Tubin – a radiation oncology specialist – has been working on an innovative method of partial tumour irradiation with ultra-high doses, dubbed the radiovaccine because it helps to activate the immune system in the fight against tumours.

In an article for Serbian news outlet Kurier, Dr Tubin explained that his particular speciality is stereotactic body radiotherapy, as well as proton and carbon-ion radiotherapy, which are the most effective forms of radiotherapy treatment available.

These techniques have the potential to eradicate tumours completely, with low and acceptable risks of collateral effects, and patients found to tolerate treatments very well without compromising their quality of life.

Where tumours are large and unresectable (and thus unsuitable for these methods), Dr Tubin’s radiovaccine technique (developed following years of pre-clinical and clinical scientific research) allows for the addition of radiation’s anti-tumour effect to the synergistic immune anti-tumour effect, to help improve therapy results.

The aim of the radiovaccine method, where ultra-high doses of irradiation are administered, is to activate the patient’s immune system to help it fight against tumours, potentially improving positive health outcomes as a result.

Radiotherapy treatments

Radiotherapy (also referred to as radiation) involves directing a high dose of radiation at the cancer site to damage the DNA of tumour cells and disrupt blood flow to the tumour itself. This prevents further growth and reproduction of malignant cells, stopping the tumour in its tracks.

Patients first visit the Amethyst centre for an initial assessment, where a CT and MRI are taken to plan and simulate the treatment.  Dr Tubin then works with a medical physicist to devise a radiation plan, after which the therapy can begin.

Nearly all types of tumours can be treated in this way, with Dr Tubin focusing particularly on tumours of the lung, the liver, rectum and pancreas, where his specialty is large, complex and inoperable tumours.

He went on to explain that every case is unique and, as such, must be evaluated individually in order to determine the most accurate prognosis and to decide upon the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.

At radiotherapy centre Amethyst Austria, we pioneer innovative ways of working to kill and eliminate malignant tumour cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the team today.

Dr David Kuczer Recognised in TREND Magazine for Cancer Care Leadership

Dr David Kuczer Recognised in TREND Magazine for Cancer Care Leadership

Leading a New Era in Private Radiotherapy

At Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, we believe every patient deserves not just precise and effective cancer treatment — but one that is delivered without delay, with compassion, and with respect for individual needs.

This commitment was recently highlighted in TREND Magazine, where Dr David Kuczer, Radiation Oncologist at our Vienna clinic, spoke about the power of private radiotherapy to transform lives.

“Every Day Matters” – Speed Can Save Lives

In the article, Dr Kuczer shared a compelling example of an elderly woman diagnosed with advanced brain metastases who contacted the clinic on Thursday. By Friday, her scans had been reviewed and a personalised treatment plan was ready. She began hippocampus-sparing radiotherapy the following Monday — a technique that helps preserve memory while treating the brain.

Dr Kuczer emphasised the urgency of the case, explaining that the metastases were dangerously close to blocking fluid flow in the brain: “A delay could have been fatal,” he said, underscoring his philosophy that “every day matters.”

What Sets Amethyst Austria Apart?

In the article, Dr Kuczer highlighted the following unique characteristics that set Amethyst Austria apart:

  • Fast and personalised treatment: Dr Kuczer shares a case of a patient who received a full treatment plan and began hippocampus-sparing radiotherapy within four days of diagnosis.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology: The centre is equipped with the Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator, enabling highly targeted therapy supported by advanced imaging.
  • Multidisciplinary tumour board: All cases are discussed by a panel of specialists to ensure optimal, collaborative decision-making.
  • Equity in private care: While Austria’s statutory insurance does not currently cover private radiotherapy, Dr Kuczer notes that affordability is a priority, with flexible options offered in hardship cases and referrals to public hospitals where appropriate.
  • Challenges in public healthcare: Reflecting on his previous hospital roles, Dr Kuczer outlines the systemic strains facing the public sector — including staffing shortages and administrative barriers — which ultimately influenced his move to fully private practice.

Why Dr Kuczer Chose Private Practice

Having trained at Charité Berlin and worked in Austria’s public healthcare system, Dr Kuczer witnessed the increasing pressure: understaffing, treatment delays, and growing patient frustration. He transitioned into private care to offer something different.

“I wanted to build a place where people are treated not just for their disease — but as whole human beings. With urgency, dignity, and care.”

This vision is now embedded in the day-to-day practice at Amethyst Austria — where clinical precision is matched by speed, empathy, and a deeply personal approach to every case. Patients are no longer left waiting in fear; instead, they are met with timely action and a team that sees them as more than just a diagnosis.

📖 Read the full article in the May 2025 issue of TREND Magazine HERE.

At Amethyst Austria, we combine speed, precision, and compassion to deliver the highest standard of cancer care — without the wait. Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation.

non-malignant diseases - spine pain of man

How Is Low-Dose Radiotherapy Used To Treat Chronic Pain?

Radiotherapy is commonly seen as a curative treatment, used in targeted high doses to treat conditions such as cancer, tumours or sarcomas.

However, low doses of radiation are also often used to treat non-malignant diseases and help manage chronic pain disorders with a series of painless, quick, unobtrusive treatments.

It is provably effective and safe for many people, but how does it work and what types of conditions can it help treat?

How Does Low-Dose Radiotherapy Work?

Broadly defined, low-dose radiotherapy is any type of radiotherapy designed to alleviate symptoms and manage pain rather than cure a disease or destroy a tumour.

Whilst it can and often is used as part of palliative cancer care to relieve symptoms rather than treat the disease, it can be used to take care of a wide range of conditions which are caused by inflammation, pressure or the stiffness of joints.

Low-dose radiotherapy is still highly targeted, but due to the lower doses of radiation does not take as much time in the treatment centre, nor does it have the same side effects.

Typically, a low-dose radiotherapy treatment takes seconds and is almost always painless. If there is an expectation of pain as part of the response to treatment, your radiotherapist will explain it to you, but that tends to be rare, and recovery is very quick.

It is also a relatively old treatment; for as long as radiotherapy has existed at all, it has been used to help relieve certain non-malignant conditions such as lupus as early as the late 1890s, and low-dose X-ray therapy has been widely used in Austria and Germany for decades to help ease pain.

How Is Radiotherapy Used To Treat Arthritis?

One of the most widespread and effective uses of low-dose radiotherapy is in the treatment of osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis in Austria and other parts of Europe.

There are various types of osteoarthritis, which can cause pain, sensitivity, swelling and noticeable sounds when moving joints, but if they are causing particular issues with mobility or day-to-day living, radiotherapy might be an option.

It is typically recommended if other more conservative treatments have not been effective. Light exercise, physiotherapy, resting or topical medications are often recommended or prescribed for a few months, but if they are not helping to ease symptoms, radiotherapy may be the best option.

It is typically provided in six to eight targeted low doses over two to three weeks in sessions that last less than ten minutes each. The radiotherapy itself takes less than a minute and can, in some cases, take less than ten seconds due to the low doses and lower risk involved in their use.

We specialise in using low-dose radiotherapy to treat osteoarthritis in the hip, knee, shoulder, finger and thumb joints, in order to ease pain, relieve swelling, reduce pressure and improve their range of motion.

What Else Can Low-Dose Radiotherapy Be Used For

Besides reducing osteoarthritis, it can be used to help with shoulder, elbow and forearm pain, relieving soreness in areas of the arms with larger amounts of soft tissue, as well as treat a range of benign, non-malignant but nevertheless still uncomfortable diseases.

Prophylaxis For Gynecomastia

This includes its use as a prophylaxis to reduce the risk of developing gynecomastia, a disorder where men develop larger breasts, typically caused by hormonal imbalances.

It is typically used before hormone therapy to make it more effective in reducing symptoms and preventing the development of breast tissue, as well as relieving pain around the chest.

Reducing Keloid Scars

Some people are at an increased risk of developing keloid scars, where a thicker, larger scar grows over a wound, which can be itchy or painful whilst it is growing and potentially affect joint movement depending on where it grows.

It cannot be removed by surgery, as that creates a bigger wound and potentially a bigger scar, but radiotherapy can help once the scar has been surgically removed in order to keep it away, particularly if cryotherapy, laser therapy or steroid treatments cannot be used.

Ledderhose And Dupuytren’s Disease

A condition caused by the thickening of connective tissue, the differences between Dupuytren’s disease and Ledderhose disease are that the lumps and nodules grow on the palm or on the base of the foot, respectively.

Radiotherapy can help in the early stages to stop the nodules from growing and avoid the need for surgery on the hand or foot should the condition continue to progress.

It is primarily effective during the proliferation phase as a complement to physiotherapy, massages and exercises.

Amethyst Austria Featured On Leading Serbian News Platform

Cancer care provider Amethyst Austria is proud to announce that it has just been featured on BLIC, one of Serbia’s leading news platforms, showcasing the organisation’s successes in fighting cancer with radiotherapy treatments.

Located in the heart of Vienna, the radiotherapy centre works closely with a leading team of international experts to ensure that patients from all over the world receive the very best and most advanced form of cancer therapy.

The BLIC article makes special mention of Dr Alinca Sturdza, an expert in radiation oncology with a focus on gynecology, who gained her expertise at Princess Margaret University Hospital in Toronto, Canada.

She was quoted as saying: “As an expert in brachytherapy, one of the most precise forms of cancer treatment with radiation, I use the most modern methods of radiotherapy. Thanks to the constant advances in oncology, cancer is becoming a chronic disease in many cases and I’m here to support patients on that journey as best as possible.”

Radiation oncology specialist Dr David Kuczer was also a focus of the news piece, a doctor with more than 20 years of experience in highly precise radiation therapy, particularly in the treatment of cancerous lesions, including prostate and breast cancer.

At the Amethyst clinic, modern radiotherapy techniques have been designed to ensure that optimal doses of radiation are targeted towards the tumour so that minimal damage is caused to the surrounding health tissue.

We are part of a long-established network of clinics in the heart of Vienna, working with experienced partners to deliver a highly coordinated team for cancer therapy. Patients receive expert care and optimal treatment in accordance with international and national maximum standards and guidelines.

If you’d like to find out more about treatment options and how you could benefit, get in touch with the Amethyst Austria team today.

Amethyst Oncologist Dr Kuczer Featured In Zena Interview

Amethyst Austria radiation oncology specialist Dr David Kuczer has given an interview to Zena, one of the leading news platforms in Serbia, discussing the role that radiotherapy has to play in the treatment of breast cancer.

He explained to the news source that individual treatment concepts are designed to suit each patient, based on the most up-to-date and innovative knowledge to ensure that optimal results are delivered, both in terms of medical and aesthetic outcomes.

Within Amethyst Austria’s Department of Tumours, the interdisciplinary team works together to devise individual approaches to patient care, with Dr Kuczer noting that from his perspective, it’s particularly important to spend time with patients as well as exchanging opinions with colleagues and discussing the various treatment options available case by case.

Approximately 50 per cent of all cancer patients will undergo radiotherapy, which involves directing high doses of radiation to tumours so that diseased cell DNA is damaged sufficiently to prevent multiplication. The tumour cells then die and are broken down by the body.

This kind of therapy means that tissue affected by the tumour can be removed, which protects the entire breast and prevents complete removal. Furthermore, the treatment works to eliminate microscopic tumour remnants to prevent recurrence.

Dr Kuczer continued, saying: “Thanks to modern technology, the therapy has been reduced from about 30 treatments during six weeks to five to 20 treatments over the course of one to four weeks, depending on the individual case. The sessions last ten minutes and are performed on an outpatient basis.”

Given that cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, causing almost ten million fatalities each year, it’s evident that more effective treatment methods are necessary.

At Amethyst Austria, we pioneer innovative ways of working to kill and eliminate malignant tumour cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the team today.

novocure technology - Cancer Patient on a Wheelchair

What Do You Need To Know Before Novocure Cancer Treatment?

Because there are hundreds of different cancer types, there are a huge number of treatments, some of which are better suited to certain kinds of cancer than others.

However, whilst there are three main types of treatment in surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a fourth approved treatment type known as Novocure has demonstrated considerable promise as a potentially versatile therapy.

Because Novocure and similar tumour treating fields (TTFields) treatments are still relatively new, the range of tumour types they can treat is still the subject of significant medical study.

Here is what is known so far, and what you should know if you and your doctor think it might be the right treatment for you.

What Is Novocure?

Novocure, or the broader treatment type of tumour treating fields, is an alternating electric field therapy where low-intensity electric fields are used to disrupt the division of cancer cells, which leads to cell death and potentially shrinking or destroying tumours in the process.

By placing electrode arrays on the skin near where a tumour is located, a TTFields treatment tuned to a certain frequency could interfere with the structure of cell division and destroy them as they attempt to multiply.

Whilst more research is being undertaken as to the exact process, the system has been approved because TTFields treatments are non-invasive and potentially cause less harm to healthy cells than alternative treatments.

Why Is It Different From Radiotherapy?

In principle, TTFields works towards a broadly similar goal to radiotherapy, although the methodology and treatment process is often very different.

Radiotherapy works by using targeted radioactive beams to destroy cancerous cells, but radiation can also harm healthy cells.

This is why treatments such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery use extensive planning processes and fixed frames to precisely deliver doses of radiation. As its inventor, Lars Leksell put it, there is no tool too precise for use in the brain.

Whilst chemotherapy uses a different process, it is similar to radiotherapy in that whilst it damages cancer cells, it also affects other cells as well.

This is something that TTFields therapies manage to avoid, allowing for a non-invasive type of treatment without many expected side effects.

When Is It Used?

At present, TTFields therapy is primarily used to treat glioblastoma and mesothelioma, cancer types that can be difficult to treat without aggressive treatment, as this can allow for a higher quality of life during treatment than intense chemotherapy or surgery will allow.

Treating mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and heart which is often associated with asbestos exposure, is not always easy as it is often resistant to radiotherapy.

A TTFields treatment in this case is typically provided alongside chemotherapy in order to make the latter more effective; a 2025 study in the American Journal of Cancer Research suggested that it forced cancer cells to absorb more chemotherapy medicine and stopped cancer cells from dividing.

On the other hand, glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain tumour that is commonly treated using a combination of surgery and complementary radiotherapy and chemotherapy to reduce the potential for it to return or to treat recurrent cases without invasive radical treatments.

A lot of research is currently being undertaken to ascertain its applicability for a range of other types of cancer as well, with some promise being found in trials of its use to treat certain types of pancreatic cancer.

Is It Right For You?

Your oncologist and multidisciplinary team will explore the possibility of using Novocure, as the innovative treatment type can not only improve the overall rate of survival but can do so whilst providing a high quality of life and level of control over treatment.

A TTFields therapy is noninvasive and is simply worn on the body. There is no need for surgery, no injections and little disruption besides shaving the hair on the part of the body where electrodes are applied and mild skin irritation in some cases.

There are typically fewer appointments required or regimented sessions, unlike the daily radiotherapy sessions or stays in hospital needed for surgery.

It also does not necessarily cause the same levels of fatigue that some aggressive forms of treatment can cause, allowing people to continue living their lives and maintaining their independence.

We understand the importance of having a routine and the ability to enjoy your time with loved ones or doing what you love, and Novocure TTFields therapy can allow you to receive vital treatment without the major disruptions that can sometimes come with it.

radiotherapy centre - Woman traveller with travel suitcase

Can You Travel On Holiday During Radiotherapy Treatment?

Treatment for cancer at a radiotherapy centre can be a long-term process involving a lot of ancillary elements beyond the specific doses of radiation used and any adjunctive primary treatments.

Your multidisciplinary team will include a wide variety of specialists and health professionals who focus not only on the details of your treatment but also are there to help with other aspects of your life during the treatment.

These can include physiotherapists to help with mobility, dietitians to assist with nutritional needs that occur during therapy treatments and psychologists to help provide support whilst navigating diagnosis, treatment and recuperation.

One question that is sometimes asked by people, particularly when they have recently been diagnosed, is whether they have to cancel any planned holidays or travel, and it is a more important question that people give credit.

When Can You Go On Holiday?

In most cases, travel and holidays are beneficial for a person’s mental health, and whilst it can seem like a trivial concern in the wake of a diagnosis it is not only an important question to ask your doctor but the answer is not always no.

As with physical activity and diet, it is important to maintain as much of your typical routine as you can, and sometimes that can involve going on day trips, using a holiday as a form of prehabilitation or even in some cases having a break in between sessions.

As every radiotherapy treatment is tailored to a person’s individual needs, whether you can travel on holiday or not will depend on the planned holiday itinerary, your overall health and the nature of the treatment.

Sometimes it will not be possible, but in other cases, a doctor can give advice on how to travel safely, take precautions and make the most of the time away without any risks. They can also signpost you to services such as travel clinics which can provide specific advice for your destination.

In some cases, it can be fine to travel after a few days of recuperation, whilst in other cases, it might be advisable to wait until after the course of treatment is completed.

What Types Of Holidays Are Best?

Typically, shorter breaks closer to home or to your place of treatment are the best idea rather than a lengthy holiday abroad.

Part of the reason for this is travel insurance, as many insurers will ask questions about your health to get a complete picture and arrange the most appropriate policy. This may include a medical screening questionnaire, a request for a doctor’s letter, or a combination of prerequisites.

Much of this relates to ensuring you have appropriate healthcare provision abroad as well as being healthy enough to handle the unusual environmental effects of flying.

A more straightforward reason for a short break is to ensure you have the energy to enjoy the activities you have planned and to get a feeling for how the holiday experience might change during and after treatment.

What Should You Check Before Travelling?

First of all, consult with your doctor and your cancer team before going anywhere to make sure it does not conflict with your treatment schedule, that the location is safe for you to travel to and that any activities planned are safe for you to do whilst there.

Typically, this means being mindful of infections, and it is important to take any vaccinations or antimalarial medication to reduce the risk of contracting a disease.

As some vaccinations are required for entry into certain countries such as those for yellow fever, make sure to check with your doctor if you can have certain vaccinations. They may also suggest or prescribe antibiotics to take if you do become unwell on holiday.

As well as this, be mindful of fatigue, as your energy levels may fluctuate more than usual due to the effects of treatment. This is why more relaxing holidays are often more advisable at first rather than adventure holidays or travel where you may be expected to walk a lot.

Similarly, after radiotherapy, your skin may be more sun sensitive than it would ordinarily be, so it is essential to cover up any part of your body that was treated by radiotherapy, wearing a hat, applying high-SPF sunscreen and spending time in the shade during peak sunlight hours.

Make a note of any medications you are taking and try to take an extra few days’ supply if possible, make sure it is stored appropriately whilst travelling and once you arrive, and make sure it is packed in your hand luggage rather than checked in.

A holiday can be a hugely beneficial event during a long treatment, but if it is not possible, it can also be a celebration.

Radiotherapy Centre - Man holding light Blue Ribbon

New Test Boosts Early Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Prospects

Prostate cancer is one of the most prominent gender-specific cancers, but, in common with other forms of cancer, early diagnosis can make a major difference to the prognosis for patients.

Not only does it make the chances of survival greater, especially because early intervention can stop secondary cancer arising, but it also means the course of treatment is likely to be shorter and less gruelling than with a later diagnosis.

Prostate cancer can come in different categories, such as localised, locally advanced, metastatic castration-sensitive, recurrent and castration-resistant. However, what these categories have in common is that radiotherapy can be used to treat each of them, whereas other treatments may be used for some categories and not others.

Our radiotherapy centre can treat each of these, enabling you to get the right kind of medical care in each situation.

New Test May Improve Prostate Cancer Detection

A major concern in the medical profession has been the general reluctance of men to seek medical attention and help when they perceive they may have a health problem, ignoring symptoms that may be used to make an early diagnosis.

However, a new development in prostate cancer diagnostics may go some way to resolving this issue for this particular disease.

A new test, developed in the UK, is a simple saliva-based method of detecting signs of prostate cancer. Rather than men having to visit a doctor and get a blood test – something trypanophobic patients will be reluctant to do – the test can be completed at home. The user just has to spit in a tube and post it off to a laboratory to be tested.

Making a test that patients are more willing to use and can access without a visit to clinical premises can have the benefit of increasing the number of men taking it.

However, even this may be less advantageous than the finding of one study that the spit test is more effective than a blood test in detecting more aggressive cancers while at the same time recording fewer false positives.

Further studies are required to ensure it is effective across different racial groups, which is important because prostate cancer rates are highest among black men and higher among South Asian men than white Europeans. This makes it particularly important that the test works effectively among ethnic groups at higher risk.

European Variations In Outcomes

Nonetheless, if it is successful, it will be likely that this test is used across Europe and beyond, helping improve diagnosis and patient outcomes, with lower mortality as a result.

Here in Austria, the population is mostly white, but while the ethnic composition may differ in some other countries across Europe, this alone does not account for the wide diversity of outcomes for prostate cancer patients.

A Europe-wide study covering the period from 1980 to 2017 across 26 European countries, of which 19 were (or are) in the EU, highlighted some notable disparities, especially in detection rates.

While most countries saw a clear increase in the numbers detected over the period, others saw a rise and then a decrease (France and Italy) or fluctuations between rising and falling rates, Austria being an instance of the latter trend.

However, these variations may have a high correlation with detection rates, with the number of men getting tested varying, along with public health promotion of testing. Only one country, Lithuania, has had a national screening programme.

Survival rates varied, with trends being broadly flat, although some worsened over time. However, overall, the situation did improve, demonstrating the effectiveness of improved diagnosis and treatment, including radiotherapy. Austria is one country with a significantly improved survival rate.

Other comparative data includes EU statistics from 2022 indicating a wide disparity of outcomes, with a mortality rate of 38.6 per 100,000 overall across the EU, varying widely between 80.4 in Estonia and 25.7 in Italy.

Latvia had the second highest mortality rate at 76.1, which may indicate a particular problem in the Baltic region and justify the decision to institute a national screening programme in Lithuania.

Our Focus On Individual Patients

Comparative data across different countries can be informative about national trends, but for individuals who have had a prostate cancer diagnosis and are seeking private treatment for it, their situation is the most important area of consideration.

Not only does this mean that the diagnosis may uncover a different severity or type of prostate cancer or detect it at a different stage of development, but, as with any cancer patient, factors such as age, overall health and genetics can play a role in determining the best course of treatment.

Therefore, while early detection remains a crucial factor in improving the prospects for patients, no two patients are the same. That is why our radiotherapy oncologists will work with you in creating the best treatment plan for you.

radiotherapy centre - healthy food

Why Does Nutrition Matter During Radiotherapy Treatment?

Alongside exercise and mental health, nutrition is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, and during a course of radiotherapy treatment, diet will be a key consideration of the multidisciplinary team.

Nutrition is key to ensuring that the body is as ready for treatment as possible during prehabilitation, that discomfort is minimised during treatment and to ensure a speedy recovery afterwards.

Part of your multidisciplinary team will include a dietitian, a health professional who not only provides dietary advice but can also assist with personalised solutions to complex nutritional issues.

Here is why nutrition matters during radiotherapy treatment.

The Body Needs Energy For Recovery

The connection between mental health, physical activity and nutrition is energy, and having sufficient energy levels is an important part of boosting recovery, maintaining high spirits and enhancing resilience to treatment.

Radiotherapy, like all treatments, requires a recovery period, even if many people can walk into the clinic, walk out and continue with their day.

A balanced diet filled with nutrients and sources of slow-release energy can help reduce or potentially avoid the sensation of crashing, extreme fatigue and Somnolence Syndrome, by providing the body with energy.

This tiredness can be caused by a range of factors, but the main reason is an inherent part of the recovery process of the body. People feel tired when recovering from illness or injury because their bodies are using energy as part of the healing process.

Radiotherapy Is Based On Weight And Size

A radiotherapy plan arranged by the multidisciplinary team takes into account a person’s height, weight and overall health, and since weight loss can sometimes occur as a result of radiotherapy treatment, maintaining nutrition is essential to ensure that the course of treatment remains effective.

If this is a factor, a dietitian will often recommend a diet high in energy and protein, including eggs, fish, meat, cheese, beans and full-fat milk, in forms that are easy to digest such as soups or milkshakes as required.

Food Is Important For Mental Health

One of the most important relationships people have is with themselves, and one way in which this manifests is in their relationship to food.

Food and drink are not just a matter of nutrition but also pleasure and appetite, and the taste changes, dry mouth and swallowing difficulties that can sometimes result from treatment can affect a person’s relationship with food.

A dietitian can help through offering variety and reducing the difficulties of maintaining energy and nutritional levels through small meals, softer diets and avoiding foods that can have complex and uncomfortable sensations such as spicy foods.

They can also offer support if foods are difficult to chew or swallow, such as by offering supplement drinks, soft foods or liquid meals as and when they are required.

Maintaining energy levels through nutrition is essential for maintaining mental health, and a dietitian’s role is likely to evolve depending on the treatment plan and multifaceted needs of the individual to ensure that a meal plan.

Maintaining The Social Aspect Of Food

Another aspect of nutrition as it pertains to mental health is the social aspect of eating, drinking and enjoying meals. A dietitian will often work with a psychologist to assist in managing the complex emotional and social elements of food.

They will often encourage people to start small and gradually build up their confidence. Starting with eating at home with friends can extend to a trip out for an easy-to-eat dessert such as ice cream.

Most people and most dining establishments are more than happy to adapt meals and make changes in response to dietary needs. Some restaurants are upfront with what they offer whilst others will discuss an individual’s requirements via email or over the phone.

Regular Discussions With A Dietitian

Most people who will receive head and neck radiotherapy will be offered the services of a dedicated specialist dietitian as part of their treatment plan, and if this is offered there will be regular meetings, discussions or calls to ensure that a person’s needs are met.

These discussions could be as simple as having an opportunity to ask questions or discuss certain sensations such as taste changes or swallowing pain, but can also include advice on which foods and drinks to eat, which to avoid, and what specialist help is available.

As with other parts of an MDT, these meetings are important to the outcomes of radiotherapy treatment as part of a comprehensive, holistic treatment plan that is in effect before, during and following the conclusion of radiotherapy treatments.