Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Overview
If you or a loved one is battling cancer, you want the best possible care. That is why our team at Radiant Oncology offers intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in Tucson. IMRT is an advanced form of radiation therapy that delivers precise doses of radiation to tumors while sparing healthy tissue. This results in fewer side effects and better outcomes for our patients.
Cancer patients have a lot of things to worry about. They should not have to worry about whether they are getting the best possible care. We strive to provide the most advanced treatment technologies available to deliver the highest caliber of care possible.
The National Cancer Institute defines IMRT as a type of radiation therapy that uses computer-controlled equipment to deliver precise doses of radiation to a tumor. This means that the radiation is targeted directly at the tumor, while healthy tissue is spared.
How It Works
IMRT is an advanced mode of high-precision radiation therapy that uses computer-controlled X-ray accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a tumor or specific areas within the tumor. IMRT can also be used to spare normal tissues surrounding the treatment area.
Rather than using a single beam of radiation, IMRT uses multiple beams of different intensities. The intensity of each beam is adjusted to match the shape of the tumor being treated. This allows the radiation oncologist to target the tumor with high precision while sparing surrounding normal tissue. External beam radiation therapy is the most common type of IMRT, and it can be used to treat cancer anywhere in the body.
Treatment is carefully planned by using 3-D Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to create a detailed image of the tumor. The radiation oncologist then designs a radiation treatment plan that will deliver the prescribed dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing as much normal tissue as possible.
IMRT is considered an ideal radiation therapy treatment because it can conform to the shape of a tumor precisely. Because tumors are irregularly shaped, IMRT can more precisely target the tumor while sparing normal tissue. An early stage prostate cancer patient, for example, may receive IMRT to spare the urinary bladder and rectum from radiation exposure.
Benefits of IMRT
IMRT can spare healthy tissue and organs from radiation exposure, which reduces the risk of side effects of cancer treatment.
The ability to target radiation more precisely means that a higher dosage can be delivered to cancer cells, which increases the chances of destroying the cancer.
IMRT can often be completed in fewer treatments than other types of radiation therapy, which means less time spent in the hospital or clinic and can lead to an improved quality of life for patients.
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. During this time, 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. This is based on the cancer type, size, and location, and the oncologist will also 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. These appointments are important to track your progress and any side effects.
Why Choose Radiant Oncology for IMRT
Our radiation oncologists are experts in the use of IMRT for the treatment of cancer, offering an exceptional level of experience and expertise in this cutting-edge radiation therapy. Each of our radiation oncologists has undergone specialized training in IMRT so we can offer the most advanced and effective care possible.
We develop personalized treatment plans for each patient, tailored to your individual needs and cancer diagnosis. Our team is committed to providing the best possible care and continually looks for new ways to improve the quality of that care.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our radiation oncologists. Please call us at 520-320-2146 to schedule a consultation.
Key Benefits
- Minimized side effects by sparing healthy tissue and organs
- Higher radiation dosage delivered to cancerous cells
- Shorter treatment duration with fewer sessions
- Improved quality of life for patients
- Precise, computer-controlled targeting of irregularly shaped tumors
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.