Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) | East Bay Radiation Oncology Center

IMRT :: What is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy?

With conformal radiation, your radiation oncologist uses a special computer and imaging scans (such as CT, MRI, and PET scans) to map the 3-dimensional location of the cancer in the body. Radiation beams can then be directed to conform to the shape of the cancer. This method helps to better protect the parts of the body near the cancer. There are 2 types of conformal radiation therapy. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) delivers shaped beams at the cancer from several different directions. Patients are fitted with a mold or cast to keep the body part still.

H & N Treatment Plan for IMRT	Critical organs are spared with IMRT	IMRT Brain Tumor Treatment Plan	Prostate Treatment Plan for IMRT
Intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, is a specialized form of 3D-CRT that allows radiation to be more exactly shaped to fit your tumor. With IMRT, the radiation beam can be broken up into many "beamlets," and the intensity of each beamlet can be adjusted individually. Using IMRT, it may be possible to further limit the exact amount of radiation that is received by normal tissues that are near the tumor. In some situations, this may also allow a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor, increasing the chance of a cure.
Text used with permission and courtesy of: American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 12500 Fair Lakes Circle Suite #375, Fairfax, VA 22033-3882 Phone: 703.502.1550 or 800.962.7876 www.astro.org Back to Home Page