Procedures

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a high-precision form of radiotherapy enabling radiation oncologists to focus a narrow X-ray beam on targets for treatment while protecting normal surrounding tissues from radiation. Consequently, IMRT helps minimize the risk of potential side effects and complications that can result from inadvertent damage to healthy tissue.

The technology derives its precision from its computer-operated high-energy linear accelerator, which modulates the strength of the radiation beam and optimizes it to bombard the tumor. IMRT is a specialized form of 3-D conformal radiation therapy in which treatment is planned by means of three-dimensional computed tomography (CT).

IMRT is particularly applicable to treatment of cancers of the prostate, head, neck, thyroid, brain, breasts, lungs, liver and pelvis, as well as lymphoma and sarcoma. Your ROC radiation oncologist can tell you if your condition can be treated using IMRT.

IMRT is a form of external beam radiation therapy, which is the most common form of radiation therapy used at the Radiation Oncology Centers. The name external beam radiation therapy refers to the technique of directing a “beam” of radiation from a machine outside your body to the target within your body defined by your radiation oncologist.