Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
IMRT is a new type of 3-D conformal radiation therapy that uses radiation beams (usually x-rays) 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.
The radiation is delivered by a linear accelerator that is equipped with a multileaf collimator (a collimator helps to shape or sculpt the beams of radiation). The equipment can be rotated around the patient so that radiation beams can be sent from the best angles. The beams conform as closely as possible to the shape of the tumor. Because IMRT equipment is highly specialized, not every radiation oncology center uses IMRT.
IGRT/4D
Dynamic Targeting Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Dynamic Targeting IGRT technology accounts for motion to ensure that the target is in the same position every treatment session. With Dynamic Targeting IGRT, innovative radiographic, and fluoroscopic and cone-beam CT modes are integrated with automated repositioning and motion management visualization software. This enables clinicians to verify that treatments are completely in sync with respiration.
Dynamic Targeting IGRT provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images to pinpoint tumor sites, adjust patient positioning when necessary, and complete a treatment all within the standard treatment time slot. These capabilities take IMRT and stereotactic IMRT technologies one step further by raising the quality of patient care and improving efficiency.