Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Overview
Our physicians and staff are constantly striving to improve the quality of care we provide, and we offer image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in Tucson as part of this commitment. IGRT involves the use of frequent imaging during a course of radiation therapy to improve the precision and accuracy of the delivery of radiation. This technology allows us to destroy cancer cells while sparing normal tissue more precisely.
IGRT adds an extra layer of precision to an already effective treatment by allowing our physicians to see the tumor's location immediately before each radiation therapy session. This way, we can ensure that the tumor is in the treatment field and that the surrounding healthy tissue is not being exposed to unnecessary radiation.
How It Works
Image-guided radiation therapy, or IGRT, is a type of radiation therapy that uses imaging during treatment to precisely target the tumor. IGRT can be used for tumors anywhere in the body. For example, neck cancer patients treated with IGRT may have CT, MRI, or PET scans during treatment to help the radiation therapist align the machine with the tumor. IGRT is used in conjunction with conventional radiation therapy, such as the TrueBeam linear accelerator that is equipped with high-definition imaging capabilities.
IGRT is a radiation delivery technique that allows the radiation oncologist to see a tumor during treatment. This type of radiation therapy uses special cameras and software to track the tumor's location before and during each treatment. The information from the images is used to ensure the radiation beam is precisely targeted to the tumor, and the IGRT technique may further decrease radiation dose to normal tissues.
Benefits of IGRT
Enhanced Visualization: IGRT can provide a more precise and more detailed view of the tumor, allowing our doctors to target the cancerous cells better while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Reduced Side Effects: By targeting only the tumor with radiation, IGRT can help reduce the risk of side effects.
Precise Delivery: IGRT can help ensure that the radiation dose is delivered precisely to the tumor site.
Improved Quality of Care: IGRT can help improve cancer patients' overall quality of care.
Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)
Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is a system used to track the patient's skin surface and body contour in real time to ensure the patient does not move during radiation delivery. This makes treatment safer and more comfortable for patients.
AlignRT is the system we utilize. It is equipped with infrared cameras that monitor the patient's skin surface and pause the machine automatically if the patient moves out of the correct position. This gives us sub-millimeter precision and allows us to avoid the use of traditional closed face masks.
What to Expect
Simulation: The first step in radiation treatment is called simulation, which is used to map the area to be treated. It is much like getting a CT scan, but it takes longer. You will lie on a table while the radiation therapist takes pictures of the area to be treated, and marks may be placed on your skin to line you up correctly for treatment.
Technical Planning: Once the simulation is complete, a radiation oncologist will determine the type and dose of radiation treatment you will need, based on the cancer type, size, and location, and will review the CT images from the simulation.
Treatment: Treatment is similar to simulation, except you will receive the actual radiation therapy. The machine will move around you and direct the radiation to the treated area. Each treatment lasts only a few minutes, and a full round of treatment usually takes place over the course of several weeks.
Follow-Up: After treatment is complete, you will have follow-up visits with your radiation oncologist and other care team members to track your progress and any side effects.
Why Choose Radiant Oncology for IGRT
Our goal is to provide the highest-quality care to our patients at our cancer center. We want to ensure that they receive the most effective treatment possible while minimizing radiation exposure, and IGRT is one way we achieve this goal.
Our radiation oncologists are constantly investigating new ways to improve the accuracy of IGRT and minimize side effects. We take a team approach to your care, involving radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, and other specialists as needed to ensure you receive comprehensive, individualized care. Each of our radiation therapists has specialized training in IGRT and participates in ongoing education to keep up with the latest advances.
We are committed to providing the highest quality of care and pursue new tools and treatments that can improve outcomes for our patients. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, we encourage you to contact us at 520-320-2146 to learn more about how we can help you.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced visualization for more precise tumor targeting
- Reduced risk of side effects by sparing healthy tissue
- Precise delivery of radiation to the tumor site
- Improved overall quality of care
- Sub-millimeter accuracy with AlignRT surface guidance and no closed face masks
Schedule a Consultation with Radiant Oncology
Our goal is to make cancer easier for patients and their loved ones by giving the best care possible. You don't have to face cancer alone — give us a call today.