Cancer treatment is a field that continually evolves with new approaches and tools, and the goal of treatment is to manage cancerous cells in the body. As technology advances, new methods become available for medical teams to use when planning and delivering care. These technologies provide precise ways to approach treatment. Here is more information about integrating technology in cancer treatment:
Image-guided Radiation Therapy
Image-guided radiation therapy, or IGRT, uses repeated imaging during a course of radiation therapy. Since tumors can move between treatments, medical teams use IGRT to guide and target the radiation. This approach uses imaging to adjust the patient’s position and retarget the radiation beam. It is a complex process, and it helps account for changes in a tumor’s position.
This technology enables high-precision treatment delivery. The process begins with initial imaging scans to locate the tumor, and these scans serve as a baseline. Before each treatment session, doctors typically take new images and compare them to the old ones. If the tumor has shifted, they adjust the radiation delivery to maintain accuracy.
Volumetric Arc Therapy
Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) is an advanced form of radiation therapy, and it is helpful in cancer treatment. It delivers radiation in a continuous arc around the patient. When needed, this technique allows the treatment machine to modify the beam’s shape and intensity as it moves.
The machine rotates around the individual, and this rotation allows for a highly conformed radiation dose to the tumor. VMAT shortens treatment times compared to some other methods. While the gantry rotates, the radiation beam changes shape to match the tumor’s dimensions.
The planning for VMAT is complex, requiring sophisticated software to calculate the optimal arc trajectory. The software also determines the beam shape and dose rate. This planning process is done before the first treatment session begins, and the result is a treatment plan for the specific size and location of the tumor.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) delivers very high doses of radiation to a tumor. It uses advanced imaging techniques to pinpoint the target. The treatment is typically over after several sessions.
SBRT is typically used for small, well-defined tumors in various parts of the body, such as the:
- Lung
- Liver
- Neck
- Prostate
Because the radiation dose is high, precision is a key component of this treatment. Immobilization devices are sometimes used to help the patient remain still during the procedure. The precision of SBRT helps to limit radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a type of radiation treatment. It uses multiple small radiation beams of varying intensities, and these help treat a tumor. When the beams are shaped to the tumor, the radiation dose can be precisely controlled.
This method allows for different doses of radiation to be delivered across the tumor. The intensity modulation provides a high degree of control, and it is a standard technique in modern radiation oncology. IMRT can be used to treat tumors that have complex shapes or are near sensitive organs. The planning process involves creating a detailed 3D plan based on imaging scans such as CTs or MRIs.
Schedule Cancer Treatment Today
New technologies are being integrated into cancer care to provide more treatment options. Each approach has specific applications based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. A medical team can determine a suitable course of action for an individual’s specific situation, and they can support you as you navigate your options. Contact a radiation clinic to schedule a consultation and learn more.
