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Best Radiation Oncologists for Intraluminal Brachytherapy in Chennai, India

This page lists 3 intraluminal brachytherapy doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 3 intraluminal brachytherapy doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Intraluminal Brachytherapy doctors in Chennai, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

Intraluminal Brachytherapy doctors

Image not available Featured

Dr. Azmi Saundarya K

MBBS, DMRT, DNB (Radiation Oncology), GFPM, ECFMG Certification
Clinical Lead & Consultant — Radiation Oncology · Specialty: Radiation Oncologist
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India8+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 8+ years of experience in Radiation Oncologist
  • Clinical Lead & Consultant, Radiation Oncology — Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai, Present
  • Radiation Oncologist — Rela Hospitals, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • 3D Conformal Radiotherapy
  • Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
View all procedures →
Radiation Oncologist Experience: 8+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
View Profile Book a Consultation
Image not available

Dr. Rakesh Jalali

MBBS, MD
Senior Consultant — Radiation Oncology · Specialty: Radiation Oncologist
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 30+ years of experience in Radiation Oncologist
  • Senior Consultant — Radiation Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, India — Present
  • Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India — Prior to Apollo appointment
Expertise & Procedures
  • Proton Beam Therapy
  • Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
  • Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
View all procedures →
Radiation Oncologist Experience: 30+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
View Profile Book a Consultation
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Dr. V. Balasundaram

MBBS, MD (Radiation Therapy)
Head of Department & Clinical Lead — Radiation Oncology · Specialty: Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 30+ years of experience in Radiation Oncologist
  • Head of Department & Clinical Lead, Radiation Oncology, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai — Present
  • Department Head & Full-Time Consultant, Radiation Oncology, V.S. Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai — October 2005 to April 2025
Expertise & Procedures
  • Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)
  • Intraluminal Brachytherapy
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
View all procedures →
Radiation Oncologist Experience: 30+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Dr. Rela Institute & Medical CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
View Profile Book a Consultation

Hospitals where these doctors practise

Gleneagles Global Hospital🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$2,500

Gleneagles Global Hospital

Est. 1999
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Intraluminal BrachytherapyRadiation OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Intraluminal Brachytherapy
4.7
112 reviews
1000+
Beds
27+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Azmi Saundarya K
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion
Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$2,500

Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road

Est. 1983
JCI — Joint Commission International accreditationNABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
Intraluminal BrachytherapyRadiation OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Intraluminal Brachytherapy
4.7
125 reviews
560+
Beds
43+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Rakesh Jalali
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$2,500

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Intraluminal BrachytherapyRadiation OncologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Intraluminal Brachytherapy
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. V. Balasundaram
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for esophageal cancer treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

About the Procedure

What is Intraluminal Brachytherapy?

Intraluminal brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy in which a radioactive source is temporarily placed inside the esophagus, through a thin catheter, to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. It is most commonly used to relieve dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) caused by esophageal cancer, either as a standalone palliative treatment or combined with external beam radiotherapy for curative-intent management.

Who may be considered?

Intraluminal Brachytherapy may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.

How does it work?

A short course (usually 1-3 fractions) delivered on an outpatient or short-stay basis, mainly to relieve swallowing difficulty in patients with advanced or inoperable esophageal cancer.

2 approaches available for this procedure:

High-Dose-Rate (HDR) Intraluminal Brachytherapy – Palliative

Most Common

A short course (usually 1-3 fractions) delivered on an outpatient or short-stay basis, mainly to relieve swallowing difficulty in patients with advanced or inoperable esophageal cancer.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $300 - $800

Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy, CT chest/abdomen with contrast, PET-CT (if available), CBC, liver and renal function tests, ECG, nutritional assessment

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $2,500 - $5,000

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~1-2 days
Hospitalisation: ~1-2 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~3-5 days recommended
Total stay: approx 5-9 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Radiation oncology consultation
  • Applicator/catheter placement under sedation
  • Treatment planning CT simulation
  • HDR brachytherapy delivery per fraction
  • Post-procedure monitoring

Usually Not Included

  • PET-CT scan if not part of package
  • Feeding tube or esophageal stent if required
  • Travel and accommodation
  • Long-term follow-up imaging
  • Management of anesthesia-related complications

Recovery and follow-up

Mild sore throat, chest discomfort, or temporary worsening of swallowing difficulty may occur after applicator placement and usually resolve within a few days; follow-up endoscopy and imaging are scheduled at intervals to assess tumor response and swallowing function.

Risks

Potential risks include esophageal irritation or inflammation (radiation esophagitis), stricture (narrowing) requiring dilation, bleeding, and, rarely, fistula formation or perforation.

Alternatives

Alternative options include external beam radiotherapy alone, esophageal stenting for symptom palliation, surgical resection (esophagectomy) for suitable candidates, or chemoradiotherapy without a brachytherapy boost.

What we need to prepare a formal estimate

Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.

Reports required

  • Upper GI endoscopy report with biopsy/histopathology
  • CT scan of chest and abdomen with contrast
  • PET-CT scan (if available)
  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) report
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panel
  • ECG report
  • Previous treatment records (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
  • Nutritional status and weight history

Patient information needed

  • Full medical history including comorbidities
  • Current dysphagia grade and swallowing symptoms
  • Details of prior cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
  • Current medications and known allergies
  • Performance status (ECOG score)
  • Current weight and nutritional status
  • Contact details of referring/treating oncologist
  • Valid passport and visa readiness for travel

Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.

Want a formal estimate?

Share your reports and patient information so our care coordination team can review your case.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Intraluminal Brachytherapy) and procedure (Intraluminal Brachytherapy) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Intraluminal Brachytherapy in Chennai, India

What is Esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the cells lining the esophagus. It most commonly presents as squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, and its behavior and treatment depend significantly on the tumor's location, cell type, and stage at the time of diagnosis.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Esophageal cancer?
The most common early symptom is progressive difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), typically starting with solid foods and advancing to liquids as the tumor grows; this is often accompanied by unintentional weight loss, chest discomfort or pressure, persistent hoarseness, or regurgitation of food. Some individuals experience chronic cough, fatigue, or, less commonly, vomiting of blood. It is important to note that these symptoms overlap with several benign conditions, and their presence alone is not sufficient to establish a diagnosis of esophageal cancer — formal clinical evaluation is always required.
How is Esophageal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy), during which a flexible camera is passed into the esophagus to visualize any abnormal tissue and obtain a biopsy for histological confirmation. Once cancer is confirmed, staging investigations — including CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, positron emission tomography (PET-CT), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) — are used to assess tumor depth, lymph node involvement, and the presence of distant metastases, with tumors classified according to the TNM staging system (Stage I through Stage IVB). The findings from staging directly determine which treatment approaches are appropriate for each individual, and no treatment plan should be formed without this complete picture.
How is Esophageal cancer treated?
Treatment for esophageal cancer is highly individualized and depends on tumor stage, cell type, location, and the patient's overall health and fitness. Early-stage disease may be managed with endoscopic resection or definitive chemoradiotherapy, while locally advanced tumors are often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation (neoadjuvant or definitive chemoradiation), sometimes followed by surgical resection of the esophagus (esophagectomy). Advanced or metastatic disease is typically approached with systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy — and in selected cases, palliative procedures such as intraluminal brachytherapy or esophageal stenting may be used to relieve swallowing difficulties and maintain quality of life.
Can Esophageal cancer be treated without a procedure?
Non-surgical pathways play a meaningful role in esophageal cancer management and are not limited to palliative settings. Definitive chemoradiotherapy — combining chemotherapy with external beam radiation — can achieve disease control or even cure in some patients with squamous cell carcinoma who are not surgical candidates or who decline surgery. Systemic therapies including chemotherapy, HER2-targeted agents (such as trastuzumab, where applicable), and immune checkpoint inhibitors are used for advanced disease, while intraluminal brachytherapy can effectively palliate dysphagia in patients where other options are unsuitable. The appropriateness of any non-surgical approach depends entirely on individual assessment by a qualified specialist.
When is Intraluminal Brachytherapy considered for Esophageal cancer?
Intraluminal Brachytherapy may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Esophageal cancer?
Esophageal cancer is typically evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team led by a surgical oncologist (with specific expertise in upper gastrointestinal and thoracic surgery) and a radiation oncologist; medical oncologists specializing in gastrointestinal cancers are also central to treatment planning, particularly when systemic therapy or chemoradiotherapy is involved. Gastroenterologists with advanced endoscopy expertise play a key role in diagnosis, staging via endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic treatment of early-stage lesions.
How do I choose a doctor for Esophageal cancer?
When comparing providers for esophageal cancer care, look for a surgeon or oncologist with documented experience in esophageal cancer specifically — including high-volume esophagectomy practice for surgical candidates — and confirm that care is delivered within a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, nutrition support, and structured follow-up, as outcomes in this condition are strongly associated with the depth of coordinated specialist involvement.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.
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