Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
The technological advancement of computer software and processing capacity has revolutionized radiation oncology treatment. Today, the marriage of highly sophisticated algorithms with refined treatment equipment has enabled radiation oncologists to deliver high doses of radiation to an area tightly conformed to a specific tumor.

Known as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, or IMRT, this form of treatment allows for the optimal dose of radiation to be delivered to a tumor, while minimizing the harmful effects to surrounding healthy tissue. The benefit for the patient is a notable reduction in side effects.

IMRT begins with a CT, MRI or PET scan. The patient is immobilized during imaging, to assure the greatest degree of accuracy. This scan is then analyzed, and with the use of state-of-the-art  XiO IMRT software - utilizing inverse treatment planning and 3D imaging - the most effective IMRT plan is determined.

Radiation is delivered in the form of thousands of tiny radiation beams, which are conformed to the tumor through the use of a multi-leaf collimator (MLC). The MLC is an apparatus that has computer-controlled tungsten leaves that move during treatment to form specific blocks or shielding from the beams. This allows for the contouring or conforming of the beams to the desired treatment area, thereby protecting healthy tissue.

The best candidates for IMRT are prostate, head and neck, and brain patients. The refined degree of accuracy with IMRT allows for the delivery of high radiation dosages without severely impacting delicate organs such as the rectum, eyes or spinal cord. IMRT provides optimal treatment for large or complex shaped tumors, and the simultaneous treatment of multiple tumors.