Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: IMRT
If you have previously had conventional radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer and are experiencing recurrent tumors in the treated area, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) may be an appropriate option for you.
An advanced radiation delivery system, IMRT uses new levels of accuracy to treat difficult-to-reach tumors in the pancreas, as well as other areas in the body.
Compared to standard radiotherapy, IMRT allows CTCA radiation oncologists to use higher radiation doses than traditional therapies would allow in these areas. At the same time, IMRT helps to spare more of the surrounding healthy pancreatic tissue from harmful doses of radiation.
Two ways that IMRT differs from conventional radiation therapies are as follows:
- IMRT uses a powerful, advanced computer program to plan a precise dose of radiation in three dimensions, based on individual tumor size, shape and location.
- IMRT directs radiation at the tumor, modulating the intensity of pencil-thin beams of radiation with laser accuracy. For some patients, IMRT replaces external beam treatments. In the majority of cases, however, IMRT is used in conjunction with, or after, another primary treatment.
Your care team at CTCA will evaluate your individual needs to determine if IMRT is an appropriate pancreatic cancer treatment option for you.
Next Topic: IORT for Pancreatic Cancer
