ivision of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital started the services for cancer treatment since 1951. Currently, the Division has been developed to the most advanced technology division in Thailand with the specialized personnel in cancer treatment using radiation, being recognized for over 60 years.
The Specific Building for cancer treatment was established in 1960, at the Sawat-Lom Osathanugrah Building, under the Radiology Department, with maximum capacity of 50 cancer patients.
Later, the number of patients has dramatically increased due to medical innovation. According to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Thai Red Cross Society managed to build the Abdul Rahim Building by expanding out of the former Cobalt Building, from 1 story into 3 story building, while the chemotherapy for patient services was on service on the 2nd floor
The additional radiology equipment were supplemented to support the increasing number of patients. During 1985 – 1987, 9-story Luan – Perm Pool Vongvanich Building was constructed to be the center of cancer prevention and treatment: examination room for radiotherapy and oncology on Floor 1, brachytherapy on Floor 3 and and inpatient clinic on Floor 5-7.
In 1989, the Elizabeth-Jakkrapong Building was constructed for the 1st irradiation and radiation simulator. In 2016, the new Building was constructed for the medical care expansion with 3 more radiators.
In 2019, Proton Center, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was constructed at the area of the Sawat- LomDerm Building for the proton radiator, the 1st and the most advanced technology institute for cancer treatment.
The Cancer treatment technology has been continuously developed to become a leading international radiotherapy with the radiotherapy technic such as 2 Dimensions to 3 – 4 D X-ray radiation techniques into Intensity Modulated Radio Therapy: (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy (VMAT).
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) Stereotactic body radiotherapy( SBRT), radiation equipment with Gamma X-rays and Proton accelerators are used. The Advanced computerization technology had made the cancer treatment more effectiveness and the least side effects from the treatment.
Achievement
- In 1951, Deep X-ray GE Maximar 400 – the most effective machine in Thailand at the time, was on service
- In 1958, the United States Red Cross and the Red Union of the Soviet Union donated Cobalt 60 Teletherapy GUT-400-the first Cobalt machine in Thailand and it was on service on 1959 – 1970
- In 2005, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) was on service. And in 2011, the Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) with 3D visualization system- the first radiation machine in Thailand was developed and used. Currently, this cancer treatment method has its full capacity of cancer treatment for 1600 patients per year.
- In 2009, the 1st in Thailand ‘image guided adaptive brachytherapy’ was on service-using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for 3D calculations in cancer treatment. This was also the first institution in the world where is able to identify the location of the cancer and surrounding organs for more effective brachytherapy.
- In 2017, the first radiotherapy board was established in Thailand, consisting of multidisciplinary team in charge of medical treatment process including the safety to radiotherapy personnel and to public.
- In 2019, the first proton irradiation machine in Southeast Asia and Thailand was installed. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn proceeded to preside over the installation of the cyclotron, which is planned to be on service by the end of 2020.
- In 2019, the quality assurance team for radiation oncology: QUATRO was audited by the International Atomic Agency (international atomic energy agency: IAEA at the center of competence level.
- From 2007 to present, IAEA Radiological Training Center, Varian Company and Elekta Company for Radiologists, Medical physicist, Radiologists, and nurses from both domestic and foreign countries have contributed the department as the prototype radiotherapy center in Southeast Asia, in which there are 4 – 6 overseas trainees a year.
- It is the only educational institution in Thailand where produce radiotherapy personnel at all levels, including the Doctor of Medicine program Training for fellowship doctors, Bachelor of Science Program in Radiological Technology, Medical Physics Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy Program in Medical Physics.
Vision
We aim to be a world-class radiotherapy center with excellent clinical and medical care along with the educational development in producing the quality fellowship doctors including the research work to improve cancer treatment with more efficiency.
Mission
- To provide a full range of radiotherapy services with standard technology, reliable scientific based evidence and information recognized at international level.
- To produce standard radiotherapy specialists with morality and ethics
- To provide academic services and knowledge to others and public
- To contribute research work and new knowledge to improve medical efficiency
- To continuously promote the development of personnel, doctors, nurses, and staff at all levels.
- To organize training and educational center of radiation to cancer specialist personnel from other institutions, both domestically and internationally.
- To develop tools to maintain standards as the technology leader.
Structure/Sub-units of the Center, Department
Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology consists of following units
Services
Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology provides following services;
- Outpatient and inpatient services : 2,700 outpatients per year and over 2,500 inpatients per year
- At present, there are 6 radiators to service approximately 3,500 patients per year with the shortest radiation queuing time in Thailand.
- 3D radiotherapy with MRI.
- Cancer treatment with Proton, to be on service by the end of 2020
- The project of Cancer Fighter Fellow for advice and encouragement to cancer patients via telephone
