3D CRT or three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy is a type of treatment for cancer in which the radiation beams are shaped in a manner to match the shape of the tumor being treated.
3D CRT uses imaging tests like computed tomography or CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans, positron emission tomography or PET scans, or a combination of CT and PET scans to create a customized distribution of radiation for the delivery of radiation conforming to the exact 3D size and shape of the tumor.
3D CRT helps in the delivery of the maximum permissible radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing the damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
3D CRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy, which involves the delivery of the radiation beams from a source outside the body to eradicate the cancer cells.
This technique is usually used in cases of tumors too close to the vital organs.
The different types of cancers that may be treated using 3D CRT include:
The following diagnostic tests are recommended before a 3D CRT procedure:
The doctor will set up the radiation therapy session according to the three-dimensional images of the tumor obtained, as well as the information from the simulation procedure.
You will be told to lie on the custom-fit mold, mask, or cast on the x-ray table.
A machine called a linear accelerator is then used to deliver the radiation beams.
The linear accelerator will move in a circular manner around the tumor region.
Radiation beams will be emitted from several directions to match the exact height, width, and depth of the tumor.
The actual radiation beam emission session lasts only for a few minutes.
However, the total time taken to complete a radiation therapy session may be approximately half an hour, which includes the preparation time needed for the radiation therapy session
The doctor decides the treatment schedule of the patient, including how many times a week the radiation therapy session needs to be repeated in a particular patient. This may vary depending on the type of tumor being treated and the overall health status of the patient.
3D CRT may be associated with the following complications:
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3D CRT or three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy is a type of treatment for cancer in which the radiation beams are shaped in a manner to match the shape of the tumor being treated.
3D CRT uses imaging tests like computed tomography or CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans, positron emission tomography or PET scans, or a combination of CT and PET scans to create a customized distribution of radiation for the delivery of radiation conforming to the exact 3D size and shape of the tumor.
3D CRT helps in the delivery of the maximum permissible radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing the damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
3D CRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy, which involves the delivery of the radiation beams from a source outside the body to eradicate the cancer cells.
This technique is usually used in cases of tumors too close to the vital organs.
The different types of cancers that may be treated using 3D CRT include:
The following diagnostic tests are recommended before a 3D CRT procedure:
The doctor will set up the radiation therapy session according to the three-dimensional images of the tumor obtained, as well as the information from the simulation procedure.
You will be told to lie on the custom-fit mold, mask, or cast on the x-ray table.
A machine called a linear accelerator is then used to deliver the radiation beams.
The linear accelerator will move in a circular manner around the tumor region.
Radiation beams will be emitted from several directions to match the exact height, width, and depth of the tumor.
The actual radiation beam emission session lasts only for a few minutes.
However, the total time taken to complete a radiation therapy session may be approximately half an hour, which includes the preparation time needed for the radiation therapy session
The doctor decides the treatment schedule of the patient, including how many times a week the radiation therapy session needs to be repeated in a particular patient. This may vary depending on the type of tumor being treated and the overall health status of the patient.
3D CRT may be associated with the following complications:
A. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or 3D CRT is a type of cancer treatment in which the radiation beams are shaped in a way so as to match the shape of the tumor being treated.
A. 3D CRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy, in which the radiation beams are provided from a source outside the body to kill the cancer cells.
3D CRT is used for the treatment of tumors that may be considered to be too close to the vital organs or other body structures to receive radiation therapy.
A. The following different types of cancers can be treated using the 3D CRT procedure:
A. The 3D CRT procedure is generally performed by a radiation oncologist.
A. The diagnostic tests advised by the doctor before a 3D CRT procedure include:
Physical examination: The patient’s physical health, symptoms, and medical history are checked by the doctor.
Blood tests: Certain medical diseases can be diagnosed using blood tests.
Imaging tests: The three-dimensional image of the tumor can be obtained using the following different types of imaging tests:
CT (computed tomography) scan: A combination of x-rays and computer technology are used to create pictures of the tumor.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan: Strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the tumor.
PET (positron emission tomography) scan: The biochemical or metabolic function of the tissues and organs can be assessed using this type of imaging test.
PET-CT scan: Two imaging techniques, which are the PET scan and the CT scan, are merged in this technique and each one of the above imaging tests records a different body part.
Endoscopy: An endoscope (a tube with a camera on one end) is used by the doctor for internally examining an organ.
Biopsy: The doctor surgically removes the suspected tissue growth and sends it to the laboratory to check for the presence of cancer cells and the type of cancer cells that could be present.
A. The following preparation may be done before a 3D CRT:
The doctor should know about any medical conditions that you may be having.
The doctor should be informed about any medications, herbs, or supplements that you may be currently taking.
The doctor should be told about any known allergies that you may be having.
The exact location that requires treatment can be determined by the doctor by evaluating the medical history of the patient and the diagnostic test results. This session performed to plan a radiation therapy session is known as simulation.
Simulation aids in the delivery of radiation exactly to the tumor region, causing little or no damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.
You will be lying flat on the table while imaging scans like CT scans, PET scans, MRI scans, or PET-CT scans are done to define the treatment field or treatment port. These are the precise points where the radiation beams will be aimed during radiation therapy.
A special custom-fit mask, cast, or mold of a body part is made. This is done to ensure that you remain in the same position for every subsequent therapy session.
The doctor will mark the treatment field with small dots using semi-permanent ink or tattoos.
A. The 3D CRT procedure is performed in the following way:
According to the three-dimensional images of the tumor obtained, along with the information from the simulation procedure performed, the doctor will plan your treatment.
You first need to lie on the custom-fit mask, mold, or cast on the x-ray table.
A machine known as a linear accelerator is then used for the delivery of radiation beams.
The linear accelerator will move in a circular manner around the tumor region.
Radiation beams are emitted from the machine in several directions to match the exact width, height, and depth of the tumor.
The actual session of radiation beam emission will last only for a couple of minutes.
The total time taken for the completion of a radiation therapy session is about half an hour, including the time needed for the preparation of the procedure.
How many times a week the radiation therapy session needs to be repeated in a particular patient varies depending on the type of tumor being treated and the condition of the patient.
A. The following are the post-procedure steps following a 3D CRT procedure:
You can go home on the same day following a 3D CRT session.
You may notice side effects like skin irritation and fatigue after a few treatment sessions.
You need to have regular follow-up sessions with your doctor after the completion of treatment.
The doctor checks you physically and advises diagnostic tests like blood tests and imaging tests during the follow-up sessions to evaluate if cancer has been eliminated completely or if any additional treatment is needed.
The doctor will keep checking if you have any recurrence of cancer in the follow-up appointments.
A. 3D CRT may be associated with the following risks:
Sore throat
Changes in taste
Appetite loss
Fatigue
Esophagitis (inflammation of the food pipe)
Tenderness at the site of treatment
Loss of hair at the site of treatment
Heartburn
Difficulty in swallowing
Nausea
Vomiting
A. The cost of 3D CRT varies depending on the type of cancer being treated and the condition of the patient.
The cost of 3D CRT is different among different doctors in different hospitals. On average, the cost of 3D CRT in India is between INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000 per session.