Trachea cancer (windpipe cancer) treatment at GenesisCare

Volumetric modulated arc therapy

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a modern radiotherapy technique which directs beams of radiation in an arc across the treatment area. Together with surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT), it’s possible to precisely target areas of cancer, adjusting the beam and intensity of the radiation dose to allow for movements in the body and avoid healthy tissues. Side effects of radiotherapy occur when healthy tissues receive radiation, so using this technique helps to limit the dose to tissues and organs surrounding the tumour. At GenesisCare we offer VMAT wherever possible because it is widely recognised to be the highest standard of care currently available for patients needing this type of radiotherapy.

Deep inspiration breath hold

Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) is a technique used when treating cancers of the chest wall to help control movements due to breathing and minimise any radiation delivered to healthy tissues during treatment.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is an advanced radiotherapy technique that uses very focused, high-energy radiation beams to remove tumours in five or fewer sessions. 

MRIdian radiotherapy

The MRIdian uses the latest and most advanced technology to deliver SABR. It includes an MR scanner with the radiotherapy machine to take live images so it can see exactly where a tumour is at the same time as treating it, safely avoiding the healthy tissues and organs surrounding it. GenesisCare has the first two MRIdian MR linacs in the UK at our centres in Oxford and Cromwell Hospital in London. Don’t worry if you’re not in the Oxford or London area – we accept referrals from all over the UK and can help our patients with transport depending on treatment and locations.

Palliative VMAT radiotherapy

We also offer palliative VMAT radiotherapy for those living with advanced trachea cancer, where it has spread elsewhere in the body, to improve pain and increase mobility. We understand that fast access to palliative care is paramount and can usually provide treatment within 48 hours of a planning imaging scan.

No treatment is without side effects. Your doctor will explain these to you at the start of your course of radiotherapy, together with the ways your treatment plan and integrative care can help to manage or minimise these as much as possible.

Here we’ve listed some general short-term side effects of radiotherapy, but your doctor will explain any others that are specific to trachea cancer.  

• Skin irritation and hair loss in the treatment area 
• Soreness and swelling in the treatment area 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Feeling tired and fatigued 

Although side effects can occasionally be severe, they’re usually very mild and typically resolve within three to four weeks. Throughout your treatment we’ll support you and provide you with advice on how to manage and cope with any side effects you experience.

Surgery is often chosen if the cancer is at an early-stage and confined to the trachea, as the surgeon may be able to remove it completely. Surgery forms part of an overall treatment and care plan.

Our consultants work with expert surgeons from local and nationally renowned hospitals as well as other cancer specialists to decide the best course of treatment for you. If your consultant recommends trachea cancer surgery, this can be arranged conveniently at one of our partner hospitals. You can then continue your other treatments at GenesisCare.

There are various different procedures for trachea cancer surgery, which sometimes may be used before your main treatment. For example, laser treatment or photodynamic therapy (PDT) use a laser light to shrink the tumour and improve breathing. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique depending on the size and location of your tumour and your breathing ability.

No treatment is without side effects. Most common side effects caused by chemotherapy are temporary, but you might be affected by them after your treatment ends. We’ll work closely with you to limit the impact of them as much as possible.

People experience these side effects differently, and we have a range of interventions and therapies to help you through this time. Our nurses and pharmacists have many years of experience, so they understand what you’re going through and are here to give you expert advice and care. Thankfully, many side effects soon pass when treatment stops.

Our dedicated cancer centres are convenient and easy-to-access. You can use your private medical insurance, and we‘re recognised by all leading insurers.

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, our priority is to continue providing the very best cancer care with meticulous measures in place to ensure our patients receive the treatments they need safely and without delay. You can find out more about our COVID-19 safety measures here.

We‘re proud that so many patients rate our care as excellent as we help them through their cancer journey. Find out more about the unique experiences of people who have had their cancer diagnosis or treatment at GenesisCare in our patient stories section.