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IMRT
View video about Varian treatment technology
Battling Cancer with SmartBeam IMRT
Benefits of IMRT
The Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center offers the new form of treatment by Varian Medical Systems called SmartBeam IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy). SmartBeam IMRT is a state-of-the-art cancer treatment method that delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells in a very targeted way, much more precisely than is possible with conventional radiotherapy. SmartBeam IMRT can deliver higher radiation doses directly to cancer cells while sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue.
SmartBeam IMRT uses computer-generated images to plan and then deliver tightly focused radiation beams to cancerous tumors. Clinicians use it to exquisitely paint the tumor with a precise radiation beam that conforms as closely as possible to the shape of the tumor.
SmartBeam 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. For example, in the case of head and neck tumors, IMRT allows radiation to be delivered in a way that minimizes exposure of the spinal cord, optic nerve, salivary glands or other important structures. In the case of prostate cancer, exposure of the nearby bladder or rectum can be minimized. IMRT is being used to treat tumors in the brain, breast, head and neck, liver, lung, nasopharynx, pancreas, prostate, and uterus. Additionally, IMRT is now being used as a bladder cancer treatment in those who have had more traditional treatments done before and are still experiencing recurrent tumors.
A powerful computer program optimizes a treatment plan based on a physician's dose instructions, and information about tumor size, shape and location in the body. A medical linear accelerator, equipped with a special device called a multileaf collimator that shapes the radiation beam, delivers the radiation in accordance with the treatment plan. The 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 important healthy tissues.
Medicare covers IMRT treatment for many types of cancer. Many other insurance carriers do, too. (Individuals should check with their insurers or health care providers for actual coverage information).
Benefits of SmartBeam- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- It provides a precise and effective way of delivering radiation therapy.
- Higher doses of radiation can be delivered directly to tumors and cancer cells, while surrounding organs and tissues are protected.
- Lower doses to healthy normal tissues may mean fewer complications or side effects.
- Physicians can treat cancers that were previously untreatable with radiation therapy.
- With IMRT, radiation oncologists are no longer confined to using a single, large, uniform beam of radiation that may cause treatment side effects by treating more of the healthy, normal tissue near the tumor.
- IMRT can be a non-invasive alternative to surgery in some cases.
- With early detection, IMRT can eradicate tumors before the cancer spreads.
- IMRT can usually be done on an outpatient basis.?
- IMRT targets the tumor and not the entire body.
More IMRT Info:
SmartBeam IMRT Brochure
SmartBeam IMRT FAQs Brochure
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