Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced three-dimensional therapy that targets high doses of radiation to cancer cells in an extremely targeted way, much more precise than is possible with conventional external radiation therapy.

A sophisticated computer program is first used to develop a treatment plan, mapping the exact area the radiation needs to be delivered. A medical linear accelerator, equipped with a special device called a multileaf collimator that shapes the radiation beams, delivering the radiation according to the treatment plan.

The equipment can be rotated around the patient to send radiation, divided into thousands of tiny beamlets, from several directions. Treatment is modified to the depth and shape of the tumor. The intensity of these beamlets can be adjusted preserve the healthy tissue, while delivering a uniformly high dose to the cancer. The beamlets can actually wrap around the tumor, making it an excellent option for those with tumors located in close proximity to vital organs. The IMRT offers a degree of precision and control not found in other radiation techniques. IMRT also has the ability to treat multiple tumors at one time, instead of during separate sessions.