IMRT for Stomach Cancer
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Stomach Cancer Radiation Therapies: IMRT
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is one form of external beam radiation used at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) to treat stomach cancer. It helps eliminate cancer cells that remain in or near the stomach after surgery. IMRT targets the site of the cancer, sparing as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
Radiation therapy experts at CTCA use advanced technology to carefully plan IMRT treatment in three dimensions. A high-tech, linear accelerator then targets radiation treatment to the site. The machine also controls the intensity (i.e., strength) of the radiation beams delivered. It concentrates high doses of radiation on the tumor site, limiting exposure to nearby healthy organs.
IMRT is often used in conjunction with Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), which improves the accuracy and precision of treatment delivery. With IGRT, our radiation therapy team obtains internal images, such as CT scans, immediately prior to treatment delivery. This allows us to make technical adjustments to accurately align the linear accelerator to pinpoint radiation to the tumor site. IGRT is critical for treating areas in the body prone to movement, including the stomach.
Additionally, IMRT may be used with 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy to further tailor treatment to the exact dimensions of a tumor. With 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy, radiation beams are conformed to the tumor, ensuring the optimal dose of radiation is confined to the site.
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