Radiotherapy centre - medical tourism health care travel

When Should You Travel Abroad For Cancer Care Treatment?

We understand that travelling to a specialist international radiotherapy clinic in another country is a huge decision to take, and when it is considered to be part of your cancer treatment plan, it is one of a series of significant and sometimes stressful choices to make.

Because of this we ensure that your stay in the beautiful city of Vienna is as comfortable, relaxing and stress-free as possible, with arrangements for extended stays, specialist rooms for people undergoing treatment and their loved ones, assistance with visa and medical documents and help with any other part of your stay in Austria.

We do this because of our multidisciplinary holistic focus, ensuring that every single part of your itinerary is focused on ensuring you are in the best possible condition for treatment and recovery, and we have considerable experience in giving international patients the best experience possible.

However, seeking treatment abroad is a huge decision and not one that is ever to be taken lightly, but here are some of the reasons why you may be considering or might have been recommended care at an international clinic.

You Need Access To Advanced Medical Equipment

Radiotherapy is an incredible non-surgical non-invasive form of treatment that can be used to incredible results, but the cost of the equipment and the specialist expertise required to operate it safely and plan treatments around it means that not every nearby hospital has access to it.

This is particularly true for TTFields therapy, branded as Optune by the company NovoCure. As it is a state-of-the-art treatment, very few clinics in the world can provide it at all, so the alternative is to travel to a country where it is available.

Amethyst has a wide range of radiotherapy clinics across Europe that have specialist medical equipment and world-class medical professionals that can treat specific conditions with equipment potentially unavailable in your country of origin.

Skip Waiting Lists

Alternatively, some treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy are commonly available but the specific type of treatment you need for a particular cancer diagnosis may involve additional costs or having to go onto a waiting list to gain access to limited facilities.

If those facilities are available elsewhere and they are suitable for your treatment plan, then the best advice may be to travel to an international clinic and get treated sooner, particularly if there is a risk of progression if you need to wait.

At the same time, this does not mean rushing pre-treatment consultations, tests and scans, but instead ensuring that treatment can start as soon as you are ready so it can be completed and you can begin your recovery.

If You Are Able To

Your local doctor will be able to advise you if you can safely travel given the stage or extent of your cancer, and provide either medication or advice for how to take care of yourself during your journey and throughout the duration of your stay in another country.

We will be able to provide some advice as well because our focus is ensuring you get the best possible care in order to have the most positive outcome of any treatment.

Similarly, if you plan on flying to Vienna for treatment, then you may need to prove that you are fit to fly, in case your existing treatment plan, medications or any previous procedures could affect your health whilst in the air.

Depending on where you live, flying may not be necessary, and there are often alternative forms of transport such as long-distance rail or road if you need to travel but cannot fly.

Therapeutic Restorative Relaxation

Travelling to another country for treatment should never be confused with a holiday, as the focus is consistently on your health condition. It is important to plan your itinerary around your recovery, rather than sightseeing. Once you recover, you can always come back.

However, you may get some of the mental and physical health benefits of a holiday by travelling to a beautiful new country and you may find clinical recovery outcomes are supported through stress reduction and better rest, both of which can help improve the body’s healing processes.

Private radiotherapy - linear accelerator technology IMRT

What Is Heterotopic Ossification And Can Radiotherapy Help?

The versatility of specialist radiotherapy treatment means that whilst it is primarily associated with cancer care, it can and has been widely used to treat a wide range of benign and non-malignant diseases.

A particularly unusual but vital example of this is that radiotherapy can be used to help treat people affected by heterotopic ossification, a condition which causes bone to grow in tissue and parts of the body where it is not meant to.

It is relatively uncommon and even less common for it to be substantial enough to cause problems, but it is a condition that radiotherapy can help with as part of a complete course of treatment.

Here are the causes of heterotopic ossification, how it is diagnosed and how radiotherapy can help treat it.

What Causes Heterotopic Ossification?

Heterotopic ossification can be either a separate condition or a symptom of another disease or injury. These are typically classified as genetic and nongenetic, and the former is significantly rarer than the latter.

Genetic heterotopic ossification is any bone growth in soft tissue that is caused by a genetic condition such as progressive osseous heteroplasia, where extra bone develops inside skin, tissue, muscles and other deep tissue where bone should not form.

Another genetic condition, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, is extremely rare, and causes the body to repair minor damage such as bruising or cuts by developing bone instead.

Outside of rare genetic disorders, more localised forms of heterotopic ossification can sometimes occur following traumatic injury, fractures, amputation or major surgery such as hip or joint replacement.

In these cases, following significant damage to the bone, some abnormal bone growth can sometimes occur, causing swelling, tenderness and pain around the fragments of bone.

Whilst still relatively uncommon, it is most commonly a side-effect of joint replacement surgery, where the bone will grow around the metal plates or joints.

When Does It Need Treating?

Much like the relatively similar bone spurs, nongenetic heterotopic ossification typically only needs treatment if it is causing issues with pain or movement, such as by creating painful swellings or forming around a joint to restrain movement.

In the case of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, many treatments that would be used for nongenetic ossification are typically not recommended, as the typical healing process for surgery and other similar treatments would lead to further bone growth and progression.

Typically, a treatment plan for heterotopic ossification will be formed following examination from a specialist in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, using a range of scans and tests to determine the cause and ensure that treatment would be the best course of action.

How Is Heterotopic Ossification Treated?

In some cases it is not treated at all, if the amount of unexpected bone growth is small, there is little risk of progression and it is not causing any problems, it may be possible that no treatment is recommended.

Outside of this, heterotopic ossification often requires tailored treatments based on how the bone forms and the cause of the ossification, in order to avoid any potential future issues as much as possible.

At the lowest level of progression and risk, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy or pain relievers, which help to relieve inflammation, manage pain and increase the range of motions around joints.

Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can stop bone cells from being formed, which can be effective at preventing significant further growth, as can the use of the blood thinner warfarin in some limited incidences as it can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin K.

In some cases, where there is a concern about progression, corticosteroids may also be prescribed to slow down the rate of bone growth, and this is part of the typical course of treatment for genetically progressive forms of the condition.

Radiotherapy treatment can also be undertaken as a form of preventative treatment following surgery that risks the formation of heterotopic ossification in order to stop additional and unwanted bone growth.

In more severe cases where the quality of a person’s life is being significantly affected by the additional bone growth, surgery to remove the excess bone can sometimes be recommended, typically in combination with radiotherapy to stop it from growing back.

This is typically seen as a treatment of last resort, is not recommended for progressive genetic form of bone growth and is typically only undertaken if there are no alternatives, following the maturation of the bone.

If surgery is performed too quickly, then the bone will keep growing, undermining the surgery and often requiring an additional procedure and extending recovery time.

E-Klinika Showcases Amethyst Austria’s Radiotherapy Treatments

Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria, one of the world’s leading private practices in the field of radiation oncology, has been featured by top Serbian medical portal e-Klinika, celebrating its achievements in the provision of radiotherapy services to oncology patients over the last 15 years.

The Power of Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy itself is one of the most effective forms of cancer treatment, with more than 50 per cent of patients undergoing radiotherapy during their cancer journey, as it tackles the tumours head on while helping to preserve quality of life and psychological wellbeing at the same time.

Speaking to the news source, Amethyst Group director Dr Paul Stuchetz said:

“Amethyst Radiotherapy Austria stands out as a leading private practice in the field of radiation oncology, thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, dedication to quality and innovation in diagnostics and treatment, as well as its focus on patient comfort and wellbeing.

With exceptional dedication in the application of radiotherapy and radiooncology in the treatment of oncology patients, the Amethyst Centre in Vienna boasts an expert network of specialist doctors and a modern, well-equipped facility.”

Comprehensive Care for International Patients

Welcoming patients from overseas for treatment involves following defined and structured procedures to ensure that the patient experience is safe and efficient, while remaining fully compliant with all relevant regulations and prioritising medical safety at all times.

Patient cases are looked at individually by a team of medical experts, a multidisciplinary approach that involves surgeons, radiation therapists, physicists and oncologists. Other departments are also involved to ensure that patient mental and emotional health and wellbeing is protected, including integrative therapies and psychological support.

Support for Serbian Patients

For Serbian patients interested in finding out more about how the centre could help them throughout their cancer journey, Dr Stuchetz advised them to get in touch with associate Maja Zakarija (+381 63 388 546), who will be able to provide them with all the necessary support in their native language.

Amethyst Radiotherapy Austrai David on Precision Tumour Care
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Dr. David Discusses Advanced Tumour Care at Amethyst Austria

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.

Cancer treatment radiotherapy - Traveler girl watching through airplane window

What Should You Do If You Are Travelling For Treatment?

Because there are a lot of different types of cancer, some of which are rarer than others, some people might be advised to travel to a specialist clinic, which could take them across the country, across the continent or even around the world.

Any clinic with a world-class specialist team will have a dedicated service for international patients to ensure that they can get the care, support and treatment they need without the added stress of independently organising travel documents, preparing accommodation or being away from their support network.

Not every clinic will have the level of expertise in stereotactic radiosurgery or TTFields treatment that our clinic in Austria does, and we not only tailor our treatment plans but will support you throughout with the help of our comprehensive multidisciplinary team.

If international travel is recommended, here are some tips to help you prepare your paperwork, your body and your mind for the trip.

Consult Your Doctor First

As with any medical decision, it is best to discuss any major medical decisions with your doctor first to ensure that this is the right decision for you.

A specialist clinic will need to contact them regardless to ensure that the treatment is in your best interests, and to gain access (with your permission) to relevant medical records, letters and the results of medical scans.

In some cases, it will be your doctor who recommends contacting the specialist clinic or helping you to reach out, but it is important regardless to have an open discussion with them to ensure that the treatment is right for you and to help with the initial stages.

In any case, it is vital to get a second opinion, particularly since your doctor will likely be involved with your care once you return home.

Research The Potential Treatment Clinic

Travelling abroad for treatment should be focused on the merits of the specialist clinic itself and not the beauty of the surroundings.

As beautiful as Vienna is and as wonderful a destination Austria is to travel to and enjoy in between treatment sessions, the focus of your visit is your treatment package and specialist care, and that is the priority when deciding on an international destination to have specialist cancer care.

There should be comprehensive information about the care you are to receive, openness and honesty in all communications regarding treatment outcomes and at least an outline in the initial stages regarding how your treatment will look.

There are several warning signs that a clinic may not be the best option, and any clinic that tries to pressure you with hard sales tactics into making a quick decision about your care without the information you need to make a clear, informed decision is a significant red flag.

Similarly, if there is no clear information surrounding your prognosis, the available care surrounding your treatment and any aftercare options following major procedures, that may be a warning sign.

Have A Video Consultation With The Specialists

Before travelling, make sure you have a distance consultation with the prospective specialists who will lead your treatment.

They will review your diagnosis, explore the specialist treatment options available to you, address any questions regarding the treatment and everything around the treatment, and ensure that you have as much information as possible to make an informed decision regarding treatment.

Typically, people who are consulting international specialists are exploring specific types of high-quality care and treatment, so a video consultation is essential to ensure that this clinic is the right choice.

A specialist clinic will be happy to answer any questions, provide proof of any credentials and showcase the facilities of the institution where you will be treated.

In some cases, it may be beneficial to have an in-person consultation, and a specialist clinic will help assist in organising the journey to the clinic and accommodation.

Arrange Documentation, Travel And Accommodation

If the specialist treatment is suitable for the type of cancer, the clinic will create an expected treatment timeline, and estimate the number of in-clinic sessions required and any additional care alongside this.

The clinic’s International Patient Centre will then help to arrange your journey, accommodation, visas for an extended medical stay and ensure that any family members or other members of your support team can stay with you during your treatment journey.

Your primary doctor will also provide advice regarding travel to and from the clinic, as well as make arrangements if you need a supply of prescription medication or accommodate particular travel needs that can arise as a result of cancer.

treatment pathway - Sick wife hugging husband

What Can You Expect When A Course Of Cancer Treatment Ends?

Much of the focus of cancer care and the treatment pathway tends to focus on what people should expect just before and during their treatment.

This allows them to prepare themselves, understand what they should expect from their treatment, what they should pack for any hospital stays, arrange for additional support and explore their options when it comes to continuing to work during the treatment period.

However, cancer care starts before the first day of treatment, and does not end after the last dose of radiotherapy or chemotherapy is completed. Both are huge adjustments and it is perfectly normal to feel a mixture of emotions once a course of treatment is completed and the cancer is destroyed or in remission.

With that in mind, here are some experiences you can expect at the end of your cancer treatment and what support is available to help you navigate a new chapter in your life.

It Is Normal To Feel Uncertain

A lot of people have reported that they feel somewhat uncertain if not lost following the end of their cancer treatment, and this is completely understandable.

Many cancer treatments take several months if not years from initial diagnosis to the final step of treatment, during which time you will have established a new routine and set of contacts within your cancer team as well as with your wider support network.

Once you get used to your treatment and how it feels, it can be odd to move on to the next stage of your life.

The first few months after treatment ends is a time of transition, and it is perfectly normal to not feel ready to move on, which is why it is best to look at the first few follow-up appointments as part of the treatment and keep in touch with your support network and your cancer team.

It Will Take Time To Recover

The end of cancer treatment is less of a sudden stop and more of a gradual slowdown, as there is a period of recovery following treatment that does take some time to get used to both physically and emotionally.

Your cancer team will let you know of the physical changes you may experience and what to expect from your recovery process. They will be there to provide support, refer you for additional treatment if required and provide advice on how best to manage your recovery.

Your support network that has been there during your treatment will also be there for your recovery as well. Unless they have also undergone cancer treatment or cared for someone who has, they may not realise what recovery and the end of treatment looks like and that you will still need support from them.

We believe that cancer care involves not only the primary treatment plan but everything else that helps improve physical health and mental well-being. This includes during the recovery process following treatment so there will always be professional support ready for you whenever you need it.

Follow-Ups Will Get Easier Over Time

Some cancer survivors have talked about “scanxiety” or a fear of tests following cancer treatment for fear that they might reveal that cancer has recurred.

This is a normal and common feeling, one that a cancer team will always be there to help with by providing facts, answering any questions you have and assuring you that they are always there to take care of you no matter what happens.

If you ever have a symptom that worries you, they will be there to provide advice about what you should expect and whether a particular sensation is a cause for further concern.

As you get used to how your body feels following treatment and with each passing follow-up appointment, that concern about recurrence will naturally reduce over time.

You Never Have To Suffer Alone

One of the most important aspects of the recovery process is that you should never have to feel like there is nobody you can talk to about your fears, concerns and frustrations. Beyond your support network and cancer team, there are a lot of services available, and the people who were there during treatment will be there for you now.

There are support groups, both in your local community and online who can provide support and a first-hand understanding of what it is like to go through cancer treatment, as well as therapists and counsellors who can help address any worries, anxiety or depression that has emerged.

There are a lot of services designed specifically for people going through the same or similar experiences to you, so you do not have to face this alone.

multidisciplinary holistic approach - cancer survivor with positive attitude

Summer Safety Tips for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Following a diagnosis of cancer, the priority of your care team will be to ensure you get the most effective treatment possible to preserve the highest quality of life, using a multidisciplinary holistic approach shaped by advanced research.

In the vast majority of cases, as long as you attend every treatment, ensure you have enough rest and take into account the potential effects of treatment, you will still be able to enjoy your day-to-day life, keep active and even potentially go on holiday.

With summer fast approaching, alongside brighter sunny days, we are often asked how to enjoy the sun safely whilst undertaking cancer treatment, whether it is simply spending some time being active outside or taking a longer trip to relax the mind and soothe the soul.

Here are some top tips for enjoying yourself and staying safe on sunny days whilst undergoing cancer treatment.

Ask Your Cancer Team About Sun Sensitivity

Cancer treatments will affect your body and especially your skin in different ways, and exposure to the sun can potentially make you more vulnerable than usual to damage from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Your multidisciplinary team will be best placed to explain if any of the medications you are taking, the chemotherapy course or radiotherapy treatment would affect your ability to stay out in the sun, as exposure can sometimes exacerbate certain skin issues without protection.

Other medications taken to manage side effects, such as diuretics (used to treat water retention that can occur during some types of chemotherapy), can also increase the risk of heat issues, such as exacerbating dehydration or affecting the body’s ability to regulate heat.

As well as this, swimming can sometimes be an excellent way to stay cool, but radiotherapy can sometimes lead to an increased sensitivity to chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pools hygienic, so it is always important to ask your doctor first.

Stay In The Shade And Cover Up

Lightweight, long-sleeved loose clothes are ideal for wearing when out in the sun, as they will help to protect your arms, legs and the back of your neck from exposure whilst not being so tight and warm as to cause excessive sweating and dehydration.

This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, loose trousers or long dresses and a summer scarf.

Similarly, wearing sunglasses will help avoid issues if your eyes have become more light-sensitive, and a hat with a wide brim can help cover the rest of your face.

Clothing is available with an ultraviolet protection factor and they would be recommended if you want to protect yourself as much as possible.

Try to avoid direct sunlight if you can, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun is highest in the sky. It is typically best to stay in the shade, either enjoying indoor activities or underneath a sun shelter.

Wear High-SPF Sunscreen And Frequently Reapply

It is always especially important to apply a broad-spectrum high-SPF sunscreen on sunny days, but it is especially important to ensure you have complete coverage if you have been undertaking radiotherapy treatment.

Do not use an aerosol sunscreen, as it will not provide a thick enough layer of protection and could be patchy in its application. Pump sprays, lotions and roll-on applicators are far more consistent.

Apply generous amounts evenly to any exposed skin or any skin likely to be exposed during the day, such as if you plan to go swimming.

Consistently reapply, even if the product says that it is water resistant or a “once-a-day” product. Over the day, sunscreen can easily sweat away or be washed off if you go swimming.

Keep Hydrated

Hydration is vital over the summer, but this is especially important as some prescription medications can require you to drink more water and it will help to avoid tiredness and confusion.

Carry a water bottle with you and regularly take sips from it during the day, as often as you need. It is worth checking to see if a water refilling station is nearby to ensure that you do not run out.

It may be beneficial to mix your water with an electrolyte powder, as sweating caused by both the sun and physical exertion can cause you to not only lose water but also electrolyte minerals such as magnesium and potassium.

This will help you maintain not only your hydration but also your energy levels.

However, it is important to avoid alcohol or caffeine; both are diuretics that will cause further dehydration, and alcohol can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature safely and effectively.

Radiotherapy centre - woman with drip

Can Radiotherapy Help Tackle Europe’s Growing Cancer Rates?

The development of radiotherapy and other cancer treatments has been a literal life-saver for millions of people down the years and may be even more so in the years ahead. However, a major question will be whether such developments will be sufficient to combat an expected rise in cancer incidences across Europe.

At any given time in history, some factors have played a larger role than others in causing cancer and also affecting the prospects for patients. Indeed, some factors have declined; better awareness of the dangers of smoking has led to fewer people using tobacco, while an understanding of the risks of sunburn is important in cutting skin cancer.

How Are Cancer Rates In Europe Expected To Change?

Despite this, the number of cancer cases is expected to increase in the years ahead. The European Cancer Information System (ECIS) produced a projection in 2022 that estimated the number of incidences of non-melanoma skin cancer would rise from 2.74 million to 3.25 million by 2040.

What was clear from the data was that ‘demographic change’ was expected to account for just about all of the increase, which would be definition rule out other factors such as a rebound in smoking rates, or new emerging lifestyle or pollution factors.

Part of that demographic change may be due to rising populations, although Europe’s low fertility rate means that the population would drop without immigration. However, another factor is age, because as people live longer, they become more prone to cancer.

Variations Between Countries

What was perhaps most notable was the high level of variation in the figures. The expected increase in cancer rates is 18.39 per cent across the 27 EU states. But this varies from a rise of just two per cent in Latvia to 56.8 in Luxembourg. Here in Austria, the projected figure is 23.1 per cent.

It may be asked whether variations in demographics can account for such disparities between countries. However, there could be some factors that have a significant impact.

For instance, when it comes to changing demographics, race can have a significant impact on cancer rates. For example, black men are much more likely to get prostate cancer than white men. By contrast, however, global studies indicate that black women have a lower incidence of breast cancer than white women.

This may mean that differing changes to the ethnic profiles of countries can have some impact on cancer rates. So too might variations in average age. However, it is notable that Italy, currently the oldest country in Europe, faces a projected increase in cancer rates close to the mean figure for the EU as a whole.

How New Developments In Radiotherapy Will Help

Whatever the cause of rising cancer rates, the challenge for oncologists and researchers in the field has always been to advance treatments. Radiotherapy has already come a long way since it was first used as a palliative treatment at the start of the 20th century.

Some of the most recent developments offer real hope for patients, enabling our radiotherapy centre to offer patients cutting-edge treatments.

For example, the use of FLASH, a form of proton beam radiotherapy, has been made possible in recent years by the development of means of measuring and standardising the absorbed dose of radiation in such a procedure.

This breakthrough in the UK was followed by the first clinical trials in the American city of Cincinnati in 2020, with positive results emerging in 2023. Proton beam therapy is particularly effective in directing radiation at tumours while leaving surrounding tissue almost completely untouched.

In March this year, Cancer Network highlighted another development in radiation oncology, the realm of theranostics, a form of treatment that uses radioisotopes to image tumours for diagnostic purposes as well as treat them.

The article noted that in the United States, to date, just two of these therapies have been approved, for prostate and neuroendocrine tumours, but it is likely several more could follow for other conditions.

The Importance Of Artificial Intelligence

As well as new forms of treatment, the capacity to measure and calibrate radiation doses and predict the impact of these in terms of toxicity for patients (with the consequent side-effects) is another area that can be advanced, thanks to artificial intelligence.

This was the conclusion of a study published in Nature Briefing: Cancer, which discussed how machine learning could help use CT scans to better detect and quantify the likelihood for each breast cancer patient of developing pulmonary fibrosis, a potential downside of irradiation of the breast.

What all this indicates is that while the incidences of cancer are expected to rise across Europe (albeit at a very uneven rate), the last few years have seen a range of developments that mean radiotherapy is increasingly available in new and more effective forms.

Consequently, the prospect of radiotherapy producing ever better patient outcomes is very well founded.

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.