Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

If you or a loved one is battling cancer, you want the best possible care. That’s 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.

What is RapidArc radiation therapy?

RapidArc radiation therapy is the most comprehensive treatment available, which uses advanced technology to deliver targeted radiation directly to brain and spinal tumors. This allows patients to spend less time on the machine and more time resting and recovering with their loved ones.

It is an exceptional and precise form of IMRT or intensity-modulated radiation therapy. This advanced radiation therapy can target the tumor more accurately than ever before while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

RapidArc allows the radiation dose to closely match the target’s form while minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissues. RapidArc is faster than conventional IMRT by 2 to 8 times, resulting in a more comfortable and easier treatment. Furthermore, because treatment durations are shorter, there is less risk of patient or organ movement during treatment.

Get the Best Cancer Care with IMRT

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 provide 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.

IMRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses computer-controlled machines to deliver very precise doses of radiation to cancerous tumors. This allows us to target the tumor with greater accuracy while leaving healthy surrounding tissues unharmed.

The result is fewer side effects for our patients and better outcomes overall. If you or a loved one is facing cancer, rest assured that we will do everything we can to help you beat the disease with IMRT alongside other treatment options.

Understanding Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

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. Radiation beam therapy 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.

What Are the Advantages of IMRT?

IMRT is considered the ideal radiation therapy treatment because it can conform to the shape of a tumor precisely. This allows for a higher radiation dose to be delivered to the tumor, which increases the chances of destroying the cancer cells while minimizing side effects.

Some of the advantages of IMRT include:

Minimized side effects

IMRT can spare healthy tissue and organs from radiation exposure, which reduces the risk of side effects of cancer treatment.

Higher radiation dosage to cancerous cells

The ability to target radiation more precisely means that a higher dosage can be delivered to cancer cells, which increases the chances of destroying cancer.

Shorter treatment duration

IMRT can often be completed in fewer treatments than other types of radiation therapy, which means less time spent in the hospital or clinic.

Improved quality of life

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 fewer side effects. This can lead to an improved quality of life for patients.

How Does IMRT Work?

3-D Computed Tomography (CT) is used to create a three-dimensional image of the tumor and the surrounding tissues. The CT scan is then transferred to a computer where the radiation oncologist can create a treatment plan that conforms to the shape of the tumor.

This type of radiation therapy uses beams of different intensities that are modulated or varied in intensity. The goal is to increase the dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing the dose to healthy tissues.

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Because tumors are irregularly shaped, IMRT can more precisely target the tumor while sparing normal tissue. This results in fewer side effects and a better quality of life for patients. An early stage prostate cancer patient, for example, may receive IMRT to spare the urinary bladder and rectum from radiation exposure.

Radiation Therapy Treatment Process

The following are typical steps in an image-guided radiotherapy procedure:

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Simulation

The first step in radiation treatments is called simulation. This is used to map the area to be treated. The simulation is much like getting a CT scan, but it takes longer. You will lie on a table, and the radiation therapist will take pictures of the area to be treated. Tumor imaging studies may be performed during simulation. During this time, marks may be placed on your skin. These marks are used to line you up correctly for treatment.

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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. The radiation oncologist will also review the CT images from the simulation.

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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. A full round of treatment usually takes place over the course of several weeks.

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Our Physicians’ Goal

At Radiant Oncology, our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible care. We offer IMRT because it is an effective treatment option for cancer. Our team of skilled radiation oncologists will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.

We understand that cancer can be a difficult diagnosis, but we are here to help. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible care and treatment so that you can focus on what is important – your health.

Radiation Oncology Program

Our radiation oncologist works with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan. The type of radiation treatments prescribed will depend on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health.

We offer a variety of radiation therapy services, including:

  • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
  • RapidArc® Radiation Therapy

We offer a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care guided by a skilled team including a neuro-oncologist. Our team works together to provide you with the best possible care and treatment plan.

Why Choose us for IMRT?

Highlights of our IMRT program include:

Leading cancer expertise:

Our radiation oncologists are experts in the use of IMRT for the treatment of cancer. We offer an exceptional level of experience and expertise in the use of this cutting-edge radiation therapy.

Personalized treatment plans:

We develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. Your IMRT plan will be tailored to your individual needs and cancer diagnosis

Focused training:

Each of our radiation oncologists has undergone specialized training in the use of IMRT. This allows us to offer the most advanced and effective care possible.

Commitment to excellence:

Our radiation oncologists are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. Our team continually looks for new ways to improve the quality of our care.

Schedule a Consultation

Our mission is to decrease the burden of cancer for our patients and their families by providing the best possible care.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our radiation oncologists. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Please call us at 520-320-2146 to schedule a consultation.