Getting to Know Radiation Oncologists and Their Role in Cancer Treatment

A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer using radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy. This treatment uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. In cancer care, radiation oncologists are responsible for overseeing the entire radiotherapy process, from treatment planning to delivery.

Each patient may require a different radiotherapy approach, depending on the type and stage of cancer and their overall health. Radiation oncologists develop personalized treatment plans, monitor the progress of therapy, and help manage potential side effects during treatment. This allows radiotherapy to be administered according to a carefully planned approach that aligns with each patient’s cancer treatment goals.

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What Are the Roles of a Radiation Oncologist?

Radiation oncologists play an important role in planning and overseeing cancer treatment using radiotherapy. Their duties and responsibilities include:

Determining the need for radiotherapy: Assessing whether a patient needs radiotherapy and selecting the most appropriate type of radiation treatment for their cancer.
Explaining treatment options: Providing information about available radiotherapy options, including how each method works to treat cancer.
Developing a radiotherapy plan: Determining the area of the body to be treated and the radiation dose needed to destroy cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Explaining the treatment process: Describing the stages of radiotherapy, treatment duration, and potential side effects patients may experience.
Supervising radiotherapy delivery: Ensuring that treatment proceeds according to plan in collaboration with healthcare professionals specializing in radiation therapy.
Helping manage side effects: Monitoring patients throughout treatment and providing care to help reduce radiotherapy-related side effects.

Types of Radiotherapy Used to Treat Cancer

Radiation oncologists are also responsible for determining the type of radiotherapy best suited to each patient’s condition. In general, there are two main types of radiotherapy: external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. The main difference between them lies in the source of radiation and how it is delivered to the patient.

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation therapy is a treatment method that uses a radiation source outside the body to direct radiation toward the cancerous area. It is the most commonly used type of radiotherapy and can be used to treat various cancers, including head, breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers.

2. Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal radiation therapy involves placing a solid or liquid radioactive source inside the patient’s body. In brachytherapy, a radioactive source is placed inside or near the cancerous tissue. In systemic radiation therapy, a radioactive substance in liquid form is administered orally or through a blood vessel, allowing it to reach the intended treatment target inside the body.

Types of Cancer Treated by Radiation Oncologists

When treating cancer, radiation oncologists work closely with other specialists, such as medical oncologists who treat cancer using medications and surgical oncologists who perform cancer-related operations.

This collaboration aims to develop a treatment plan that suits the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the intended goals of therapy. Radiation oncologists may be involved in treating cancer with radiotherapy, either as the primary treatment or as part of a treatment plan combined with other approaches.

Radiation oncologists may be involved in the treatment of various types of cancer, including:

Liver cancer
Lung cancer
Lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Brain cancer
Breast cancer
Bone cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Colorectal cancer
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer
Prostate cancer
Sarcoma, a type of cancer that originates in connective tissues, such as bone, muscle, or fat.
Head and neck cancer
Leukemia, a cancer that affects blood-forming tissues.

Not every patient with these types of cancer will require radiotherapy. The decision to use this treatment depends on examination results, cancer stage, the patient’s condition, and the treatment plan agreed upon by the medical team.

Recommended Radiation Oncologists in Jakarta and Tangerang

The following radiation oncologists practice at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital in Jakarta and Tangerang:

1. Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K)

Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K) is a radiation oncology consultant with experience treating various types of cancer using radiotherapy. She completed her medical education, radiation oncology residency, and consultant training at the University of Indonesia. She also pursued further studies in radiation oncology at Wilhelm-Westfälische Universität Münster in Germany and earned a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree through a collaborative program between the University of Indonesia and AKH Vienna in Austria.

In addition to her clinical practice, Prof. Soehartati is active in academia and research. She also participates in various national and international seminars, training programs, and scientific forums to stay up to date with developments in radiotherapy knowledge and technology.

Prof. Dr. dr. Soehartati A. Gondhowiardjo, Sp.Onk.Rad (K) is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:

Wednesday: By appointment.

2. dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad

dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad is a radiation oncologist who treats various types of cancer through radiotherapy, taking each patient’s needs and condition into account. She completed her medical education at Airlangga University before pursuing a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Indonesia.

To keep up with advances in radiation oncology knowledge and practice, dr. Novina actively attends seminars, training programs, and scientific conferences in Indonesia and abroad. These include the Jakarta Annual Collaborative Cancer Meeting (JACCM), FARO Webinars, and Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs organized by the Indonesian Radiation Oncology Society (IROS).

dr. Novina Fortunata, Sp.Onk.Rad is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:

Monday: 08.00–16.00 WIB
Tuesday: 08.00–16.00 WIB
Wednesday: 08.00–16.00 WIB
Thursday: 08.00–16.00 WIB
Friday: 08.00–16.00 WIB
Saturday: 08.00–13.00 WIB

3. dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad

dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad is a radiation oncologist who graduated from Sriwijaya University’s medical program and completed his radiation oncology residency at the University of Indonesia. He is skilled in several modern radiotherapy techniques, including Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and brachytherapy.

His expertise in these techniques supports the development of radiotherapy plans based on the type of cancer, tumor location, disease stage, and the patient’s overall health. With an individualized treatment plan, radiation can be directed toward the intended target according to each patient’s needs.

dr. Riyan Apriantoni, Sp.Onk.Rad is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:

Monday: 17.00–20.00 WIB
Tuesday: 17.00–20.00 WIB
Wednesday: 17.00–20.00 WIB
Thursday: 17.00–20.00 WIB
Friday: 17.00–20.00 WIB

Radiotherapy Technology for Cancer Treatment at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital

For external beam radiation therapy, Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital uses the Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator (Linac). This radiotherapy device features technology that supports radiation delivery with submillimeter precision.

The Elekta Versa HD Linac is also equipped with Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) technology. These techniques allow radiation to be directed precisely at the tumor while helping limit radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Some of the key features of the Elekta Versa HD at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital include:

Submillimeter radiation delivery precision, which helps direct radiation accurately toward the tumor.
SRS and SBRT technology, which enables high-dose radiation to be delivered precisely to specific targets when medically indicated.
The ability to treat multiple tumor targets in a single session in selected cases, potentially allowing for more efficient treatment planning.
4D Image-Guided Radiotherapy (4D IGRT) to help monitor tumor position in real time, including tumors that move with breathing.
Efforts to limit radiation exposure to healthy tissue by directing radiation toward the intended treatment area.
The potential to reduce the number of radiotherapy sessions for certain patients, depending on the type of cancer, the patient’s condition, and the treatment plan.
Modern imaging and targeting systems that help support accurate radiotherapy delivery.

In addition to external beam radiation therapy, Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital also provides brachytherapy, a type of internal radiation therapy.

Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides a range of supporting facilities to improve comfort for patients traveling from other cities or countries:

VIP transport: Pickup services from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or ports to the hospital in comfortable vehicles, accompanied by the Patient Experience Officer (PEO) team.
Medical ambulance pickup: Specialized transportation for patients with specific medical needs from their arrival point (airport, train station, or port), with medical equipment and assistance from professional healthcare personnel.
Accommodation (Sleep Hub and apartments): Comfortable accommodation for family members accompanying patients, located on the 8th floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, as well as nearby apartment options.
International Patient Relation: Dedicated assistance for international patients with medical coordination, interpretation, and administrative arrangements. For information and assistance from International Patient Relation, you can call 021 5092 8888 or email [email protected].

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use the WhatsApp chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These options can help you arrange visits, check queue numbers, and access other useful information.

*The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and as a general overview. It does not cover every type of medical service that each doctor may provide. To ensure that you receive care suited to your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.