Image-guided radiation therapy

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is a type of radiation therapy that uses imaging techniques during each treatment session to direct radiation therapy accurately to the area where it is needed.

Overview

IGRT is used to treat tumors in areas of the body that move, such as the lungs. Radiation therapy machines are equipped with imaging technology to allow your doctor to image the tumor before and during treatment. By comparing these images to the reference images taken during simulation, the patient's position and/or the radiation beams may be adjusted to more precisely target the radiation dose to the tumor. To help manage your cancer, IGRT is used in conjunction with other types of radiation therapy.

Procedure

Before starting the IGRT, the patient undergoes a CT scan in the treatment position. The images from the CT scan are then used to create a personalized treatment plan. During each treatment session, the patient is positioned on the treatment table using lasers and skin marks as guides. The treatment team leaves the room and goes to the control room where they can still see and hear the patient. The machine then takes images of the treatment area and compares them to the images from the treatment plan. The treatment team may adjust the patient's position and the machine's position based on these images. The radiation therapy is then delivered.

Benefits

IGRT allows doctors to maximize the dose of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. This can help to reduce side effects and improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Risks

As with any form of radiation therapy, there are risks associated with IGRT. These can include skin irritation, fatigue, and other side effects depending on the area being treated. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before starting treatment.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Computed Tomography
• Cancer treatment