Slide 1

Our Radiation side Effects and Complications OVERcome (RECOVER@AARO) Clinic is set up to provide a holistic approach in managing your cancer as well as minimizing your side effects.

Our RECOVER@AARO Program includes assessing possible preventative measures before, during and after your radiation and cancer treatment, and looking out for and managing long term complications that may occur after therapy.

We believe that every cancer survivor can enjoy the best quality of life possible after their cancer treatment.

Common Side Effects

Side Effects Treatment

The old adage of ‘Prevention is better than cure’ still holds true today where side effects can be prevented from happening. Patients receiving conventional means of radiation therapy are at higher risk of developing complications and side effects as compared to modern, and more advanced techniques. RECOVER @AARO’s specialist clinical oncologists are adept at navigating the myriad of treatment techniques available, and then utilizing the techniques which are best suited for individual patients in achieving best treatment outcomes with minimal side effects and complications.

This is achieved with the selection of appropriate radiation therapy dose fractionation, mode of delivery, and skilled planning to ensure that normal organs are protected against the harmful effects of radiation as much as possible.

Memory Loss

What is it?

Memory loss is an irreversible side effect of patients receiving whole brain radiation therapy. If minimal brain tissue is irradiated, memory functions can be preserved.

Who should be concerned:

Patients diagnosed with Brain Cancer

How we can help:

Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Hippocampal Sparing Brain VMAT (link to
Memantine for Prevention of Brain Irradiation–Memory Loss & Cognitive Impairment

Erectile Dysfunction

What is it?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a known side effect of prostate cancer treatment (such as prostate surgery ie. Robotic Prostatectomy, hormonal therapy or radiotherapy).

Who should be concerned:

Patients diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

How we can help:

Assess most suitable technology and treatment combinations with the lowest risk of ED for your consideration.
Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is a recognized alternative outpatient treatment for prostate cancer which does not require surgery, and has been reported to have lower risk of erectile dysfunction (impotence)

Radiation Induced Fibrosis (Breast Hardening)

What is it?

Radiation induced fibrosis is a long-term side effect of radiation therapy, which sees normal tissue being replaced by scar tissue, affecting form and function of the affected tissues

Who should be concerned:

Patients undergoing Breast RT

How can we help:

Radiation Sensitivity Assay test: Allows your radiation oncologist to determine your risk in developing Radiation Induced Fibrosis. This information is useful in determining if a tumour-bed boost for breast irradiation should be given.
Cardiac sparing radiotherapy – breath hold

Book An Appointment Now

During the course of radiation therapy treatment, it is important to continually ensure that side effects should be monitored and managed to ensure early detection. Side effects monitoring and management by experienced radiation oncologists and allied health professionals will ensure that there is best supportive care available to patients. This in turn ensures that there isn’t unnecessary flare-ups and undue pain caused to patients during their radiation therapy.

AARO has carefully curated care packs to assist patients undergoing radiation therapy to all areas of their body. Each care pack consists of an education session by our Allied Health Professional in understanding radiation therapy, its side effects, and utilizing the care pack in minimizing these side effects.

Contact us at +65 8101 3838 for our Allied Health Professional to recommend a care pack suitable for your area of treatment.

A sample of our Head & Neck Premium Care Pack

A sample of our Breast Premium Care Pack

Buy Now

After radiation complications prevention and support during treatment, there should be close continued surveillance to ensure that any complications which arise after prevention and support could be detected in time.

RECOVER @AARO’s specialist radiation oncologists, along with our experienced Allied Health Professionals, would set up a schedule of follow-ups and scans after the patient has completed the course of radiation therapy. The schedule of follow-ups and scans will be worked around the patient’s convenience, ensuring that there are minimal disruptions so that the patient can resume normalcy as quickly as possible. Our radiation oncologists would also keep in close contact with other multi-disciplinary specialists to ensure that the patient is adequately cared for within the network.

Apart from follow-up consultations, RECOVER @AARO’s specialists may suggest the following tests and/or scans for the purpose of Radiation Complications Surveillance:

Blood tests e.g. hormonal profiles, with appropriate replacement for deficiencies
2nd radiation related cancer surveillance tests to suit the radiation treatment given
Tests to differentiate between radiation complications and cancer recurrence e.g. specialized PET scans for brain lesions after radiosurgery

Book An Appointment Now

Radiation therapy treatment may lead to debilitating long term side-effects, especially if traditional techniques were used as they had to treat a larger area, causing more harm to normal tissues. In the modern era, such complications can be managed with proper therapy to reduce the chance of further complications and eventual disability.

RECOVER@AARO’s radiation oncologists, subspecialized in the care of the particular cancer type, will be the doctor-in-charge to manage these complications with advanced technologies and medications.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

What is it?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy allows patients to breathe in pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber.

Who should be concerned:

Patients who have completed RT

How we can help:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven treatment for various late side effects for radiation therapy not limited to and including:

Osteoradionecrosis
Radiation cystitis
Radiation fibrosis
Poor wound healing

Radiation Wounds

What is it?

Radiation can disrupt and delay the normal process of wound healing. Hence, wounds may heal more slowly, exposing patients to infections and issues related to slow wound-healing.

Who should be concerned:

Patients who are undergoing RT

How we can help:

Appropriate wound care should be provided by an experienced clinical professional. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven treatment for improving wound healing after irradiation.

Brain Radiation Necrosis

What is it?

High-dose radiation therapy can cause permanent death of brain tissue as a late side-effect of treatment.

Who should be concerned:

Patients diagnosed with Brain Cancer

How can we help:

Upon evaluation by our experienced clinical oncologists, treatment of brain radiation necrosis may involve: Medication, Surgery, or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Book An Appointment Now