Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Cancer-fighting benefits without negative side-effects.

IMRT uses advanced radiation oncology technology to allow physicians greater precision and accuracy in the treatment of cancer tumors. The goal of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy is to lower the dosage of radiation to surrounding organs while enhancing the dose directly to the tumor.

Our physicians know that Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy offers the lowest incidence of side effects to our patients.

IMRT is recommended for Prostate, Pelvis, Lung and some Breast cancers.

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Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Benefits

IMRT radiotherapy uses 3-D technology to target the area affected by cancer. Like CyberKnife, IMRT specifically hones-in on these areas while limiting dosage to surrounding organs and tissues that are still healthy. This also reduces any effects of the radiation felt by the patient!

The types of cancer, lymphomas and sarcomas, specifically targeted for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy include:

Head:
- Brain and Brain Stem
- Spinal Cord
- Eyes and Optic Nerves
- Salivary Glands
Prostate
Thyroid
Lung
Breast
Liver
Gynecological
Pediatric Malignancies

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Procedure and Technique

IMRT is a more aggressive form of cancer therapy that generally lasts for several weeks. Dosage of radiotherapy is determined by the size of the tumor, it's location within the body and the current state of the patient's health. Treatment can be expected to last between 6 and 10 weeks.

Radiation Oncology Consultation

During your consultation with Coastal CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology, you will find answers to the questions you have and learn about life-saving positive solutions that we offer to defeat cancer.

We will review, in detail, your medical and family history, overall health and concerns to discern:

Radiotherapy Solutions Recommendations
Therapy Management Options
Potential Side Effects and What It Means to You
Address Concerns Your Family May Have
Answers to Procedures and Techniques
Alternative Treatment Options

Initial consultations with our caring physicians can be expected to last 1 to 2 hours in duration.

Phase I: Cancer Treatment Planning and Verification

Through artificial intelligence, we will review many different possibilities to optimize the best possible radiation treatment for you.

We will then review the plan of treatment, target the dosage and individualize the therapy for your needs.

IMRT Radiation Therapy is produced by a medical linear accelerator and aimed directly at cancer cells. During this phase, placement and positioning of the body and the SmartBeam™ IMRT will be mapped out.

Phase II: CAT scan (CT) Simulation

Our team will perform CAT scan to collect important information about the position, size and intensity of the cancer site. This will help us to distinguish between the areas in need of higher dosing and the thinner areas that require significantly less radiotherapy.

The images gathered will be transferred to a 3-D guide to separate healthy tissue from cancerous tumor. Once this image has been studied, dosage requirements will be established.

Phase IV: Immobilization and Setup Accuracy

The physician will position the patient comfortably and review the site for accuracy of treatment.

Remember: Patients are always able to communicate at any time as patients are audible and visible to our physicians.

Phase V: Cancer Therapy Delivery

Using various angles and intensities to localize the cancer three-dimensionally, patients are expected to breathe normally and lie still during treatment.

Expected treatment includes 4 - 8 weeks of therapy that lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to a half-hour.

Post-Treatment: Quality Assurance

After treatment delivery, you will be allowed to rest until anesthesia wears off and you may return to your usual daily routines. Follow your doctor's specific instructions, which may include no heavy lifting or strenuous activities. This may be suggested for 3-5 days post-treatment.

Follow-ups begin 3 months after the procedure, and then repeated every 6-12 months. We will be looking at any side effects you may be facing as well as evaluating to ensure shrinkage of cancer tumor(s).

Disclaimer: The material on the CoastalCyberKnife.com website is informational only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional. If you have questions about a specific treatment, please ask our radiation oncologists by calling our locations of practice.

Fort Pierce: (772) 293-0377
Port St. Lucie: (772) 336-2797
Okeechobee: (863) 467-9500