Types of EBRT include:
3-D conformal radiation: This radiation therapy technique allows doctors to sculpt radiation beams to the shape of a tumor and is typically used on tumors with irregular shapes or that lie close to healthy tissues and organs, and may limit radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. 3-D conformal radiation also allows doctors to view tumors in three dimensions. Based on these images, the radiation beams are delivered to the tumor from several angles.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): Advanced software plans a precise dose of radiation, based on tumor size, shape and location. A computer-controlled device delivers the radiation in sculpted doses that match the 3-D geometrical shape of the tumor, including concave and complex shapes. The intensity of radiation beams can be adjusted across the treatment area in fractioned, separate beams as precision accuracy. This means higher doses of radiation can be delivered than traditional radiation therapy methods, while reducing exposure to healthy tissues. Because of its greater degree of accuracy, IMRT may be a treatment option for patients who have reached the maximum allowable dose of conventional radiation therapy and have a recurrent tumor in the treated area.
Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): Tumors can shift inside the body, because of breathing and other movement. Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) may allow doctors to locate and track tumors at the time of treatment and deliver more precise radiation treatment. This technology also allows our radiation oncologists to make technical adjustments when a tumor moves outside of the planned treatment range. As a result, the radiation treatment is targeted to the tumor as much as possible, helping to limit radiation exposure to healthy tissue and reduce common radiation side effects.
TomoTherapy: TomoTherapy combines a form of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) scanning technology, in one machine. With this technology, we sculpt radiation doses to match complex tumor shapes while avoiding sensitive structures. Using built-in CT scanning to confirm the shape and position of the tumor before each treatment, TomoTherapy may reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissues and organs. Before every treatment, scanning technology provides a 3D image of the treatment area, so the radiation beams can be targeted according to the size, shape and location of the tumor(s) on that specific day. The “slice therapy” approach treats tumors one layer at a time. Side effects are often reduced because less radiation reaches healthy tissues and organs. Many cancer patients who have reached their maximum tolerance dose of traditional radiation may be a candidate for TomoTherapy radiation.
Stereotactic radiation procedures: These procedures are designed to deliver, precise, highly concentrated doses of radiation to small areas in the body, allowing our radiation oncologists to reduce exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and limit the number of treatment sessions required. We use two types of stereotactic procedures: stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy.