IMRT and IGRT are two advanced forms of radiation therapy that can be used to treat tumors with high precision and accuracy.
IMRT: Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
IMRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver radiation beams that can vary in shape and intensity. IMRT can conform to the tumor shape and target specific areas within the tumor with different doses of radiation. This can help maximize the dose to the tumor and minimize the dose to the surrounding healthy tissues and organs. IMRT can also reduce the risk of side effects and complications, such as skin reactions, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction.
IMRT can be used for different purposes, such as:
- To cure or control cancer or prevent it from coming back
- To shrink a tumor before surgery or other treatments
- To destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery or other treatments
- To relieve symptoms or improve quality of life
IMRT can be used for a wide range of cancer types and stages, such as:
- Head and neck cancers
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Brain tumors
- Gynecological cancers
- Skin cancers
IGRT: Image-Guided Radiation Therapy
IGRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses medical imaging to help provide precise and accurate radiation treatment. IGRT uses CT, MRI, ultrasound, or x-ray to scan the tumor before or during each treatment session. These images help the treatment team align the patient and verify the tumor position and shape. They also enable adaptive planning to account for any changes in the tumor size, shape, or location during the course of treatment.
IGRT can be used for different purposes, such as:
- To improve the accuracy and precision of radiation delivery
- To reduce the uncertainty and variation in patient positioning and tumor motion
- To adjust the radiation dose and field according to the tumor response
- To spare more healthy tissues and organs from radiation exposure
IGRT can be used for tumors that tend to move or change shape, such as those in the lungs, liver, pancreas, and prostate gland. It can also be used for tumors near critical organs and tissues, such as those in the brain, spine, and eye. IGRT can be used with other advanced forms of radiation therapy, such as IMRT, proton beam therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
IMRT and IGRT are state-of-the-art radiation therapy techniques that offer a high degree of precision and accuracy for treating tumors. IMRT can modulate the intensity of radiation beams to conform to the tumor shape and target specific areas within it. IGRT can use medical imaging to guide the radiation delivery and adjust it according to the tumor position and response. IMRT and IGRT can be used for various purposes and cancer types, depending on the patient's condition and treatment goals.
We handle every patient with care and ensure seamless care and guidance after the treatment. To book an appointment with Dr. Vineet Nakra at Max Hospital, Vaishali, click the link below.
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