Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

IMRT stands for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy. It’s a type of cancer treatment that uses advanced technology to deliver radiation to tumors with very precise control. In IMRT, the intensity of the radiation beams can be adjusted at different points within each beam. This allows doctors to sculpt the radiation dose to match the shape of the tumor more closely, while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. It’s like using a very finely tuned flashlight to target only the specific areas where the cancer is, while avoiding harming nearby healthy cells. IMRT is often used to treat cancers in sensitive areas where sparing healthy tissue is critical, such as the brain, head and neck, and prostate. Overall, IMRT offers improved accuracy and reduced side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy techniques.