ION > 3-D Conformal, IGRT, IMRT Radiation Therapy

3-D Conformal, IGRT, IMRT Radiation Therapy

Three-Dimensional (3-D) Conformal Radiation Therapy

Improving the quality of patient care with efficiency.

Traditionally, the planning of radiation treatments was done in two dimensions (width and height). Three-dimensional (3-D) conformal radiation therapy uses computer technology to allow doctors to more precisely target a tumor with radiation beams (using width, height, and depth). At ION, we offer this technique.

 

A 3-D image of the tumor is obtained using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Using information from the image, special computer programs design radiation beams that “conform” to the shape of the tumor. Because the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor is largely spared by this technique, higher doses of radiation can be used to treat the cancer. We have found improved outcomes with 3-D conformal radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal, prostate, lung, liver, and brain cancer.

 

IGRT/4D Dynamic Targeting Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) 

  • A more advanced technique that we offer at ION is called IGRT. When you breathe you move, which could make imaging difficult. At ION we use IGRT for motion control and to ensure that the tumor is in the same position every treatment session.

 

 Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) 

IMRT is one of the most conformal radiation therapy modalities that use beams of varying intensities to deliver different doses of radiation to small areas of tissue at the same time. The technology allows for the delivery of higher doses of radiation within the tumor and lower doses to nearby healthy tissue. Some techniques deliver a higher dose of radiation to the patient each day, potentially shortening the overall treatment time and improving the success of the treatment. IMRT may also lead to fewer side effects during treatment. ICI is equipped with the most advanced linear accelerators (Trilogy™ and EDGE™). ION was the first free-standing facility to incorporate RapidArc™ software. This advanced form of IMRT allows for delivery of treatment in very short time with high precision.