INTENSITY MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY

Watch our informative video on the IMRT treatment technology: Watch Video (Windows Media Player)

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) utilizes a highly precise radiation system to deliver carefully calculated beams of intense radiation directly into a cancer. Successful IMRT depends both on specialized equipment and on a highly trained team of physicians, physicists, and technologists. 21st Century Oncology has acquired this equipment and assembled such a team.

IMRT is delivered by specially equiped linear accelerators guided by a revolutionary computer system. After a comprehensive series of tests and evaluations, each patient's unique and complex data are programmed into the IMRT computer to create the ideal treatment plan. Computer-generated imaging of the exact location of the tumor within the patient allows the oncology team to calibrate the radiation beam therapy with an accuracy that has never before been available. The beam itself is shaped by the linear accelerators 120 computer-controlled "fingers" and can be directed on a 360-degree axis. The painless procedure is repeated in a series of outpatient visits, enabling patients to return to the privacy of their own homes after each treatment.

The pinpoint accuracy of the IMRT beam has several vital advantages for cancer patients, the most significant being its ability to maximize the dose of radiation to the cancerous tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue from unnecessary exposure. IMRT technology is so advanced that it can be programmed to actually wrap and angle beams of radiation around normal tissue and organs, protecting "good cells" as it destroys the tumor. As such, IMRT patients typically experience fewer side effects of high-dose radiation, which helps them to remain stronger and lead more normal lifestyles during treatment.

IMRT is receiving worldwide attention for its long-term success rates in cancer treatment. IMRT was pioneered at prominent research institutes such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York City and Stanford University in California. Now IMRT is also available at advanced radiation centers such as those of 21st Century Oncology.

While IMRT has been most employed for the successful treatment of many types cancer, in certain situation the benefits are most apparent. For example, patients with prostate cancer benefit from a higher radiation dose to the cancer along with a lower dose to the bladder and rectum. Some researchers also think by lowering dose to pelvic nerves and blood vessels, IMRT may produce less effect on sexual potency.

Breast cancer is another disease that may be more safely cured with IMRT. Certainly with cancers of the left breast, radiation oncologists always insist on aiming the beams away from the heart and lung. IMRT continues this safety feature with added assurance that the breast itself is adequately irradiated to maximize the likelihood of cure. Another situation where IMRT may prove invaluable is in treating patients with cancer in or around the brain. Many experts agree that for certain brain tumors and certain cancers of the mouth and throat, IMRT may the best way deliver radiation.

The IMRT program at 21st Century Oncology is being utilized successfully in all of these kinds of cancer. We are proud to be among the leading institutions bringing this life-saving technology to our nations cancer patients.

How to contact us

The patient may be referred directly by the urologist, or call for an appointment at one of our locations.

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(Text written by Peter Blitzer, MD)