Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer treatment in Germany
Treatment prices are regulated by national law of the corresponding countries, but can also include additional hospital coefficients. In order to receive the individual cost calculation, please send us the request and medical records.
Breast cancer treatment in Germany
- Diagnostics
- Reconstruction with an expander or allo prosthesis
- Diep-flap plastic reconstruction with own tissues
- Reconstruction with own tissue or implant after radical mastectomy
- Radical mastectomy
- Brachytherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Lumpectomy and lymphadenectomy by metastases to lymph nodes
- Sectoral resection with flap plastic
- Proton Therapy
- Embolization or chemoembolization
Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology
The Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the highly effective treatment of benign and malignant tumors. The department has three linear accelerators and systems for brachytherapy, with the help of which the patients are provided with the safest, most effective and most sparing irradiation of tissues affected by oncopathology. The department's tasks also include radiation therapy planning and radiosurgery. An ultramodern technical base, exceptional professionalism and experience of the department's doctors are the cornerstone of the successful clinical practice.
Department of Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is regularly ranked among the best medical institutions in Germany! The hospital is the largest multidisciplinary medical facility, as well as a leading research and training center in Germany and Europe. The hospital is proud of its bicentenary history and tirelessly confirms its primacy at the national and international levels. The outstanding quality of medical care is complemented by highly productive research activities, thanks to which many effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods, saving people’s lives, have been presented in medical practice.
Department of Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy ranks among the top German medical facilities in the area of its specialization! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for cancer treatment at the highest level of university medicine. The priorities of the department's work include the treatment of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital system in men, gynecological tumors in women, oncopathologies of the nervous system, as well as head and neck tumors. Each department's specialist strives to ensure all the patients with the most effective and at the same time customized treatment. Due attention is also paid to radiation protection.
Department of Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy
The Department of Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy offers the full range of modern radiation therapy at the highest medical and technological level. Innovative proton therapy is also within the competence of the medical facility. As the largest medical facility of this kind in Eastern Saxony, the department annually admits about 2,300 cancer patients, 550 of whom are treated on an inpatient basis. In total, the department has about 110 employees, including 26 doctors, 14 physicists, 22 radiological assistants, 22 nurses and 28 employees of various profiles (in radiation biology research laboratories and other sections). The department's doctors cooperate closely with oncologists, chemotherapists and other specialists in related fields, since cancer patients usually require comprehensive treatment that combines several methods. In most cases, patients undergo radiation therapy on an outpatient basis, which eliminates the need for hospitalization. The main value of the department's medical team is the patient's health, so doctors always strive to provide qualified medical care that meets the individual needs of the patient.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy
According to the prestigious Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy is one of the best medical facilities in Germany in its area of specialization! The physicians of the department pay special attention to the treatment of malignant diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, colon cancer, and other tumors. The specialists of the medical facility are also competent in performing radiation therapy for benign diseases with a special emphasis on the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, arthrosis, and heel spurs. The department has state-of-the-art equipment, including a CT scanner, two linear accelerators, a MicroSelectron HDR machine for short-term high-dose irradiation (Afterloading therapy), Oncentra External Beam and Oncentra Brachy machines for irradiation planning, and the iPlan system (Brainlab) for stereotactic irradiation planning. The department performs all types of radiation therapy available in modern medicine. Treatment is performed on an outpatient basis without hospitalization. Each radiation therapy regimen is planned according to the individual needs and wishes of each patient. The department's physicians work with advanced equipment that ensures effective results and high radiation safety.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy provides top-class conduction of all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant and benign diseases. In most cases, irradiation is indicated to patients with cancers, but this treatment method is also effective for some benign diseases: tennis elbow, arthrosis, as well as other degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. The department's doctors offer patients individual consultations and radiation therapy using the very latest medical technologies, which guarantee high precision of irradiation and sparing treatment. The department provides many innovative types of radiation therapy, which can effectively deal with all types of cancer. In addition, the department's doctors welcome the use of symptomatic treatment to improve the patients' quality of life and the effectiveness of irradiation. The specialists often resort to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and other procedures.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Radiation Oncology is included in the rating of the top German departments specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers the full range of treatment of oncological diseases using ionizing radiation by means of external (teletherapy) or internal (brachytherapy) tumor radiation. The specialists of the department are doing their best to ensure the most effective cancer therapy, taking into account the very latest advances in science and medical technology, interdisciplinary cooperation and an individual approach.
Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology
According to the the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant neoplasms of various localization. The availability of the cutting-edge radiation therapy technologies, the close cooperation with the specialists from all related disciplines, as well as the experience and competence of doctors provide patients with the individualized treatment and the best therapy results. The department is also part of the Jena University Cancer Center, which employs outstanding professionals who are ready to provide medical care even in the most difficult clinical cases.
Department of Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy is included in the ranking of the top German department specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of cancers. The competent medical team of the department annually provides its services to 2,000 patients.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Ion Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy, Ion Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology offers the full range of radiological diagnostics and cancer therapy. A feature of the department is the exact treatment of cancer with the help of heavy ions and proton therapy. Therapy with heavy ions and protons makes it possible to effectively destroy tumors of difficult-to-reach localization, while maintaining healthy tissues. The department belongs to the most modern medical institutions of this level in the international medical arena. It treats more than 3,500 cancer patients every year.
Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology ranks among the top German departments specializing in radiotherapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant and benign diseases, various functional disorders. Depending on the patient's state of health and the course of the disease, radiation therapy can be carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis, as well as in combination with other treatment methods, for example, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc. The high-tech equipment, exceptional professionalism of doctors and close cooperation with the specialists from related fields contribute to the provision of first-class and tailored medical care.
Department of Radiation Oncology
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Radiation Oncology ranks among the top German departments specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all advanced types of radiation therapy for the treatment of oncological diseases. Any therapeutic procedure is prescribed individually, taking into account the specific situation and course of pathology. The modern medical equipment and outstanding competence of the physicians contribute to the successful clinical practice of the department.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology and Radiation Therapy
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Neuroradiology and Radiation Therapy offers the full range of services in these medical fields. The competent doctors of the department work with the state-of-the-art systems for CT, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, angiography, fluoroscopy and other imaging studies in adults and children. In addition, the department specializes in all modern types of radiation therapy and interventional procedures for the treatment of vascular and oncological diseases.
Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy ranks among the top German departments specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers all types of modern radiation therapy for the treatment of various benign and malignant diseases. The focus is on multimodal interdisciplinary therapy of lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, sarcomas, malignant lymphomas and tumors in children. The stereotactic radiation therapy is available in the department for the targeted treatment of brain tumors. The department treats more than 1,500 inpatients and about 4,300 outpatients every year, which is the indisputable evidence of the outstanding quality of provided medical services.
Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology
The Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology offers all modern methods of radiotherapy. It treats patients with oncological diseases, as well as benign pathologies, for example, degenerative joint changes. The department specializes in conformal radiation therapy, brachytherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, tomotherapy, stereotactic irradiation of malignant and benign brain neoplasms, whole-body irradiation, as well as in combined chemoradiation therapy.
Department of Radiation Therapy
The Department of Radiation Therapy provides patients with the full range of services in this medical field. The primary focus of the department's clinical practice is the conduction of modern types of radiation therapy for treating malignant diseases. The department's specialists also successfully carry out combination treatments, such as radioimmunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. The department is part of the Cancer Center at the University Hospital Saarland Homburg, which allows radiation therapists to cooperate closely with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists, providing comprehensive cancer treatment. The department's team of doctors also treats patients with some benign inflammatory diseases. The department's patients most often receive outpatient medical care. There are 24 beds available to accommodate patients in the department. The pride of the department is the advanced technical equipment that allows the specialists to perform high-precision and efficient irradiation. The treatment takes place in a modern building, in the design of which great importance was attached to creating a comfortable environment for the patient. The department admits more than 1,500 patients who receive high-quality European-level treatment every year.
Radiation therapy is an important part of the treatment of breast cancer. It allows the doctors to prevent tumor recurrence after surgery. All types of irradiation are equally effective. At the same time, radiation therapy for breast cancer in modern, well-equipped cancer centers is much safer for health. It does not damage the organs located near the irradiated area, and does not cause severe side effects associated with impaired functioning of the lungs and heart. This leads to better quality of life in a long-term perspective.
When is radiation therapy carried out?
If you are undergoing treatment in Germany, then, with a high probability, the operation for breast cancer will be organ-preserving. The doctors in most clinics do not perform total mastectomy and give preference to carrying out partial breast removal. This allows the woman to maintain an attractive appearance, especially if she subsequently undergoes breast reconstruction.
After a partial breast removal, all patients are referred to radiotherapy centers for further treatment. It is necessary to reduce the risk of local recurrence – the redevelopment of breast cancer in the area of tumor removal. Radiation destroys the cancer cells that may have remained after the surgical removal of the primary tumor.
After breast-conserving surgery, further breast cancer treatment is carried out without radiation therapy very rarely. This is possible only in combination of the following factors:
- Woman is over 70 years old
- Breast cancer is of luminal type A (predictively favorable type)
- After the operation, the woman undergoes long-term hormonal therapy
- Size of the tumor at the time of surgical treatment of breast cancer did not exceed 2 cm in the largest dimension
- Metastatic foci of breast cancer in the lymph nodes are absent
After a mastectomy, radiation therapy is usually not required, but exceptions are possible. A woman is referred to the radiotherapy center even after total mastectomy in the following cases:
- Size of the tumor at the time of removal exceeded 5 cm in the largest dimension
- Cancer cells were detected at the edges of the surgical wound (at the border of the removed tissue) or at a distance of less than 1 mm from the edge
- Foci of breast cancer metastasis were detected in the removed axillary lymph nodes
At the advanced stages of breast cancer, most cancer centers do not use radiation therapy. The preference is given to the systemic drug therapy, because the drugs administered into the body affect not only the primary tumor, but also its metastases, including undetected ones. Sometimes doctors in German cancer centers perform palliative radiation therapy. It can help reduce symptoms and prevent certain complications. It is possible to irradiate not only the primary tumor, but metastatic foci in the bones or brain as well.
How is radiation therapy performed?
Radiation therapy is a painless treatment method, which does not cause any discomfort. The procedure is the same as an X-ray, but takes more time. Careful preparation is required, including planning, marking, and laying. For some types of radiation therapy, tumor imaging is carried out before each radiation session.
If you want to undergo treatment in Germany, you can expect that the radiation procedure will take a minimum of time. Some devices allow the doctors to perform it in literally 2 minutes.
There are several irradiation types.
Conventional radiation therapy is an outdated method, which is not used in German hospitals. Irradiation is carried out in 2D mode. The disadvantages are low accuracy and damage to organs located near the target region.
Conformal radiation therapy is carried out in 3D mode. Linear accelerators are used in modern radiotherapy centers. They direct the beams from different angles, considering the configuration of the tumor and ensuring the maximum safety of the procedure.
IMRT is a type of 3D conformal radiation therapy with modulating the intensity of the beams. This method allows the specialists to additionally reduce radiation exposure of the vital organs (i.e. heart and lungs).
The doctors usually irradiate the whole breast. An additional dose of irradiation can be directed to the tumor bed, lymph nodes, and, if necessary, to the thoracic wall.
How often should I attend radiation therapy sessions?
For breast cancer, radiation therapy can be performed in different modes.
Standard fractionation is used in most cancer centers as the main treatment method for breast cancer. The entire dose of radiation is divided into approximately 30 fractions. The woman attends radiation therapy sessions 5 days a week, for 6 weeks.
Hypofractionation is more convenient as it only takes 3-4 weeks, but less effective, therefore not suitable for all women with breast cancer. Radiation doses are increased and the number of radiation therapy sessions is reduced. This method is used in some clinics only if metastatic lesions of lymph nodes are absent.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation is the most convenient radiation therapy option, since it takes only 5 days to complete the entire course. The types of the accelerated partial irradiation include not only standard external beam radiation therapy, but also brachytherapy or intraoperative radiation therapy. This treatment option is not available in all cancer centers and is not suitable for all women. During the preliminary elaboration of the treatment scheme, the doctor determines if this radiation therapy type is suitable for the patient.
Side effects
The risk of side effects and complications development is lower if your treatment is carried out using modern equipment.
Breast swelling, redness and peeling of the skin, fatigue and weakness are possible during the treatment. These complaints are temporary. They pass away completely in few weeks or months after the breast cancer completion.
Long-term complications are:
- Brachial plexopathy – radiation damage to the brachial plexus causes numbness, arm pain, or weakness
- Hypogalactia is a lack of breast milk after childbirth, it occurs in some women who have underwent radiation therapy for breast cancer
- Swelling of the arm and chest due to impaired lymph circulation (after lymph node irradiation)
- Breast deformation
Severe complications occur rarely. They are typical for the outdated methods of radiotherapy for breast cancer. Rib fractures, problems with the functioning of the heart or lungs, the onset of such secondary malignant neoplasms as angiosarcoma (it develops 8-10 years after radiation therapy for breast cancer) are possible after irradiation using gamma machines.
Why is it better to undergo treatment of oncology in Germany?
More and more women with breast cancer want to undergo treatment in Germany. It is less traumatic, safer and more effective, as well as ensures a higher quality of life upon the oncology treatment completion. Here are some reasons why it is better to contact one of the German cancer centers:
- Your treatment in Germany will be performed by doctors who rank among the world's best specialists in the treatment of breast cancer
- Modern linear accelerators are used in German hospitals for irradiation of tumors with minimal health risks
- Irradiation on some devices takes only 2-3 minutes
- Intraoperative breast irradiation and brachytherapy for breast cancer are available in many clinics
- You can undergo treatment in Germany in 5 days instead of 6 weeks (some clinics offer accelerated partial breast irradiation)
- German clinics ensure the best ratio of cost of treatment and quality
Radiation therapy is only a part of the combined breast cancer treatment in Germany. In German hospitals, you can also undergo surgery for removal of a tumor and breast reconstruction. As a part of a combined treatment in Germany, it is possible to undergo chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy for breast cancer, if necessary.
What clinics offer specialized treatment?
You can contact one of these clinics for breast cancer treatment in Germany.
Gamma Knife and Radiotherapy Center Krefeld. The center has been operating since 1998, and in 2001 it received the ISO 9001 certificate. The prices for a treatment are low here and the quality of treatment is very high. The center uses the Axesse linear accelerator. It creates 3D models of the irradiated organs and directs radiation with a possible error of 0.3 mm. It is a unique robotic system, which uses vital structure exclusion technology (CSA).
MediClin Robert Janker Clinic. The medical center has DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 certification. The hospital is certified by the German Cancer Society. The clinic collaborates with the Radiotherapy Center Bonn-Rhein-Sieg. It carries out not only external beam radiation therapy, but also brachytherapy for breast cancer. Radiosurgical treatment of metastases is also possible. In this center, irradiation is carried out very quickly: it takes 15 minutes, together with the preparation.
University Hospital Frankfurt am Main. The Department of Radiation Therapy is recognized by Focus magazine as one of the best in Germany. It is part of the University cancer center. More than 1,300 patients are irradiated here annually. The center offers a CyberKnife, brachytherapy, and intraoperative radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Treatment in Germany with Booking Health
If you want to undergo treatment in Germany at an affordable price, you can use the Booking Health services. On the Booking Health portal you can find the information about the cost of treatment for breast cancer, German hospitals, the best doctors in cancer centers, as well as compare the cost of treatment of oncology in different German clinics and book a medical program at the best price.
The Booking Health company will arrange a trip for you to one of the German cancer centers. The company provides the following services and benefits:
- Selection of a hospital, which specializes in the treatment of breast cancer and has the very latest equipment for the safe radiation therapy
- Direct communication with the doctor
- Reduced waiting period for a treatment in Germany and making an appointment on a convenient date
- Reduced cost of treatment in Germany – prices are reduced due to the exclusion of additional coefficients for foreign patients
- Reliable information about your expenses, the cost of individual medical procedures, funds on your account
- Preparation of a preliminary program of treatment in Germany without repeating previously performed examinations
- Communication with the cancer center upon the medical program completion
- Buying and forwarding of medicines
- Organization of additional diagnostics or treatment in Germany
The specialists of Booking Health provide high quality services. We will book a hotel and airline tickets for you, organize a transfer from the airport to the hospital and back.
