Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a new type of 3–D 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.
This new technology has been used to treat tumors in the brain, head and neck, nasopharynx, breast, liver, lung, prostate, and uterus.
Contact Us
For more information regarding IMRT at St. Joseph's Hospital, call 602-406-ONC1 or toll-free 1-877-602-4111.
