IMRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy, which means radiation is provided from a source placed outside the body.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced type of radiation therapy used to treat cancer and noncancerous tumors.
IMRT uses advanced technology to manipulate photon and proton beams of radiation to conform to the shape of a tumor.
IMRT uses multiple small photon or proton beams of varying intensities to precisely irradiate a tumor.
IMRT is used most often to treat prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and breast cancer, in part because these tumors tend to be located close to critical organs and tissues in the body. It may also be used to treat lymphoma, sarcoma, gynecologic cancers, and select pediatric cancer.
First, you will have an imaging test called a CT scan that will map your tumor in 3-D. Then a team of radiation therapy experts, including doctors and physicists, will use advanced computer programs to calculate and deliver radiation directly to the tumor from different angles.
At the beginning of each treatment session, a radiation therapist will position you on a treatment table, placing marks on your skin to guide where he or she will deliver the radiation treatment. Treatment sessions are painless.
Hospital stay is not required.
The affected area can be sore and prescribed lotions can be applied for relief.
Other side effects may not be immediate but occur slowly after the procedure. Look for symptoms and take care as recommended by the doctor.
Adequate rest is required after the procedure.
Avoid direct sunlight.