Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) – Delivering Treatment to the Exact Spot

Tumors can move, both during a radiation treatment session and from one treatment session to another. This commonly occurs as a result of normal internal organ action (digestion, elimination, and breathing). If these changes in position move the tumor out of the planned treatment range, the tumor may either not receive the full amount of radiation that it should, or normal tissues may receive more radiation than they can tolerate.

By use of new image-guided techniques (IGRT), it is now possible to verify tumor locations each day. One of the most effective methods, used by Verity Radiation daily, involves producing a computed tomography (CT) image of the patient using the “cone beam” technique. By using a linear accelerator’s larger conical beam, the entire 3-D volume of the treatment area can be imaged with just one rotation of the device.

Image-guided Radiation Therapy is an important key in achieving both unparalleled tumor control and normal tissue sparing. At Verity, we have the integrated tools that work toward successful image-guided motion management in the radiation oncology process to provide efficient and effective treatment.