Breast Cancer Treatment: IMRT
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Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a special type of radiation therapy that allows CTCA physicians to direct multiple, thin beams of radiation at a breast cancer tumor with great precision. Compared to standard radiation therapy, one advantage of IMRT is that it makes it easier for our cancer experts to spare healthy tissue surrounding the breast cancer tumor. IMRT allows each dose of radiation to be custom-tailored according to the precise geometry of the tumor alone.
IMRT may be a useful breast cancer treatment option if you’ve previously been treated with conventional radiation therapy, and are experiencing recurrent tumors in the treated area. IMRT can be used in conjunction with or may be used in place of external beam radiation. Your physician will work with you to determine the best breast cancer treatment option based on your individual situation.
Two ways that IMRT differs from conventional breast cancer radiation therapy are:
- IMRT employs an advanced computer program to precisely map your radiation dosage in three dimensions, based on your breast cancer tumor’s size, shape and location.
- IMRT directs radiation at the tumor and modulates the intensity of radiation with laser accuracy.
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