Advanced Radiation Therapy Techniques
Advanced radiation therapy techniques are revolutionary approaches in cancer treatment that utilize precise radiation to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. These techniques have significantly improved the outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
One key technique is Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which allows radiation beams to be adjusted in intensity and shape, conforming closely to the tumor’s structure. IMRT delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor while reducing exposure to healthy tissues, making it highly effective for complex tumors near critical organs.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) enhances accuracy by using advanced imaging technology during treatment. This allows for real-time adjustments to the patient’s position, ensuring that the radiation is delivered precisely to the tumor, even if the patient moves or the tumor changes in size.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a non-invasive procedure that delivers high doses of radiation in a few sessions to tumors located in areas like the lung, liver, or spine. SBRT uses detailed imaging to precisely target the tumor, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues.
Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the tumor, providing a concentrated dose of radiation with minimal impact on surrounding tissues. This is often used in prostate, cervical, and breast cancers.
Finally, Proton Therapy uses protons instead of X-rays to target tumors, offering greater precision, especially for tumors located near vital structures.
These advanced techniques continue to evolve, offering patients better outcomes with reduced side effects, ultimately improving cancer care.
