IMRT

What is IMRT?

IMRT is an advanced mode of high-precision radiotherapy that utilizes computer-controlled x-ray accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor.

The radiation dose is designed to conform to the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of the tumor by modulating – or controlling – the intensity of the radiation beam to focus a higher radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure of surrounding normal tissues.  Treatment is carefully planned using 3-D CT images of the patient in conjunction with computerized dose calculations to determine the dose intensity pattern that will best conform to the tumor shape and spare healthy tissue.  An MRI and PET/CT is also utilized when planning the course of treatment.

What types of cancer can IMRT treat?
St.Joseph Cancer and Infusion Center was the first in Howard County to utilize IMRT and has been treating a variety of cancers for the past three years.  IMRT treats cancers of the prostate, head and neck, thyroid and lung.  It can be used in select cases of breast, gynecologic, liver, and brain tumors.  In addition, IMRT can be beneficial in treating pediatric malignancies. 

What are the overall benefits?

The ratio of normal tissue dose to tumor dose is reduced with the IMRT approach; higher and more effective radiation doses can safely be delivered to tumors with fewer side effects as compared with conventional radiotherapy techniques.

What are the patient benefits?

This new technology will offer patients more benefits such as:  fewer side effects, lower recurrence rates, ability to spare other critical structures during radiation treatment and improvement in the patient’s quality of life.  Radiation therapy, including IMRT, can stop malignant cells from dividing and growing, thus slowing tumor growth.  In many cases radiation therapy is capable of destroying cancer cells; therefore, shrinking or eliminating tumors.

Additional resources available

In addition to IMRT treatment capabilities, treatment planning and physics work is completed in the St.Joseph Cancer and Infusion Center.