Technology
3D and CT Planning
Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, or 3D-CRT, uses advanced computer technology and specialized imaging to accurately define the size, shape, and location of a tumor. Detailed three-dimensional images are created using tools such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or positron emission tomography (PET) scans, allowing your care team to visualize both the tumor and the surrounding normal tissues with exceptional precision.
With this information, your radiation oncologist can shape the radiation beams to closely match the contours of your tumor using multileaf collimators (MLCs) or custom-designed field-shaping blocks. Because the beams are so precisely targeted, surrounding healthy tissues are better protected, helping to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and potential side effects.
Your radiation oncologist can tailor the radiation beams to the size and shape of your tumor with multileaf collimators (MLC’s) or custom fabricated field shaping blocks. Because the radiation beams are very precisely directed, nearby normal tissue receives less radiation.
IMRT, IGRT, & Tomotherapy
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, is an advanced form of conformal radiation that allows the radiation dose to be precisely shaped to match the tumor. With IMRT, the radiation beam can be divided into multiple smaller segments, or “beamlets,” with each segment’s intensity adjusted individually. This precise modulation helps protect nearby healthy tissues while still delivering an effective dose to eradicate the tumor. There are several ways to deliver IMRT; at our facility, we primarily use the TomoTherapy system for this type of treatment.
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Image guided radiation therapy, or IGRT, enhances the accuracy of radiation delivery by accounting for tumor movement that can occur between treatments due to changes in organ position or shape. IGRT uses imaging—such as CT scans—performed in the treatment room immediately before radiation is delivered to ensure precise targeting.
TomoTherapy
At our institution, we utilize TomoTherapy for IGRT. Each treatment session begins with a daily reference CT scan, which the treatment team reviews to determine whether adjustments are needed or if treatment fields should be shifted. This approach allows physicians to target the tumor with high precision while minimizing side effects, as small planning margins can be safely used.
Stereotactic Treatment
SRS Treatment
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a highly precise, single-session treatment that uses high-intensity radiation to target certain tumors within the brain and spine. Although the term “radiosurgery” is used, no incisions or cutting are involved. The procedure delivers a full radiation dose in one session using extremely focused beams. Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis and can return home immediately afterward.
SBRT/SABR
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), also known as Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR), is a modern technique that delivers a high dose of radiation in a small number of sessions to tumors that cannot be surgically removed due to their location or the patient’s medical condition. SBRT is most commonly used for tumors in the lung, liver, and spine. While similar in principle to SRS, SBRT delivers the total radiation dose over several treatment sessions rather than in a single session.
SBRT requires a meticulous treatment planning process and custom immobilization to ensure accuracy. Patients are often positioned in devices that limit respiratory motion to reduce tumor movement, which is essential for minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Treatment is typically delivered in three to five sessions, usually twice a week, with each session lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of radiation therapy in which radioactive sources are placed directly into or near a tumor. These are often referred to as “implants,” which may be temporary or permanent. This technique allows the radiation oncologist to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
There are two main types of brachytherapy: Low Dose Rate (LDR) and High Dose Rate (HDR) implants. Brachytherapy is commonly used in the treatment of breast, prostate, and gynecologic malignancies.
Prostate Brachytherapy: The prostate implant procedure is a same-day, outpatient procedure performed in collaboration with your urologist. Approximately 70–100 tiny radioactive seeds are permanently placed into the prostate under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. This highly precise approach can be used alone or in combination with external beam radiation to effectively treat prostate cancer.
Breast Brachytherapy: HDR brachytherapy is also used in breast cancer to facilitate breast conservation through accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). This treatment is delivered on an outpatient basis over the course of approximately one week.
Gynecologic Brachytherapy: Historically, cervical and endometrial cancer implants required an inpatient stay. With modern HDR technology, these procedures can now be performed on an outpatient basis, improving convenience and overall patient experience.
Depending on the type of brachytherapy you receive, certain precautions may be recommended after treatment—especially if you will be around young children or pregnant women. Your care team will provide detailed instructions to ensure your safety and comfort.
APEx Accreditation Facility
Get to know our accredited practice.
We are pleased to announce that our facility has been accredited by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) through APEx – Accreditation Program for Excellence®. APEx is an accreditation program developed by ASTRO that validates a radiation oncology facility’s excellence in delivering high-quality patient care. Accreditation through APEx is a voluntary and rigorous multi-step process during which a facility’s practices are evaluated using consensus-based standards. A facility must demonstrate its safety and quality processes and that it adheres to patient-centered care by promoting effective communication, coordinated treatments, and strong patient engagement. Our facility has demonstrated those processes and continues to engage them in our patients’ care. Learn more about how accredited facilities such as ours use the process of accreditation to benefit patients and find additional educational materials on radiation therapy treatment on the ASTRO patient information site, RTAnswers.org.
