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As a community, we are fortunate to have access to the state-of-the art technology and equipment available at the Welch Cancer Center. Dr. John Stamato, radiation oncologist, and his staff provides quality care to patients close to home. Individual treatment plans are developed for each patient.
We offer radiation oncology treatment through Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). IMRT is cutting edge technology which allows the delivery of more intense radiation treatment to the tumor, while at the same time, reducing dose to nearby critical structures. This involves varying (or modulating) the intensity of the radiation being used as therapy for cancer, using computer generated images to plan and then deliver more tightly focused radiation beams to cancerous tumors than is possible with conventional radiotherapy.
With this capability, clinicians can deliver a precise radiation dose that conforms to the shape of the tumor, while significantly reducing the amount of radiation to surrounding healthy tissues. Consequently, this technique can increase the rate of tumor control while significantly reducing adverse side effects.
IMRT can be used to treat tumors that might have been considered untreatable in the past due to close proximity of vital organs and structures. Treating such tumors requires tremendous accuracy. IMRT is being used and has shown to be highly successful in the treatment of tumors in the breast, brain, head and neck, liver, lung, nasopharynx, pancreas, prostate and uterus.
IMRT is delivered through The Linear Accelerator and the Multileaf Collimator, which shape the radiation beams, delivering the radiation in accordance with the treatment plan. This equipment can be rotated around the patient to send radiation beams from the most favorable angles for giving the tumor a high dose while preserving healthy tissue.
IMRT is the most technologically advanced, most precise method of External Beam Radiation Therapy available.
IMRT PATIENT BENEFITS
- Improved conformal dose distribution
- Greater accuracy
- Increased cure rates
- Reduced complications/side effects
- Ability to treat inoperable, odd shaped tumors, or tumors wrapped around critical structures
- Ability to re-treat recurrent tumors that have already received maximum radiation dose limits to sensitive structures
For more information about IMRT, click here.
View our Frequently Asked Questions about Radiation Therapy.
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