Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy at Rex Cancer Center
Radiation therapy, including intensity-modulated radiation
therapy (IMRT), stops cancer cells from growing and slows tumor
growth. In many cases, IMRT can kill cancer cells and shrink or
eliminate tumors. IMRT uses computer-controlled X-ray
accelerators to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant
tumor or specific areas within the tumor. Not all tissue reacts
to radiation the same way. Therefore, IMRT can vary in radiation
intensity emitted across a field. The radiation beam can also
rotate around the patient, sending beams from a more favorable
angle and location. By cross-firing the tumor with these beams
of varying intensity from all possible angles, a uniform dose of
radiation is delivered to the tumor while minimizing the effects
on surrounding sensitive structures. Treatment is planned by
using CT images of the patient with corresponding computerized
dose calculations to determine the radiation pattern that will
best conform to the tumor s