Treatment Technology
IGRT
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses precise, high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, and is usually delivered from a machine outside of the body. It can be used by itself as a cancer treatment, or in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, or IGRT, is imaging utilized in conjunction with radiation therapy and combines three-dimensional images, such as CT Scans or PET scans, with the precision technology of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to accurately pinpoint and safely deliver radiation to treat cancer cells.
Patients receiving IGRT have images taken before each daily treatment, which allows your doctor to verify the position of both the patient and the tumor before treatment in order to safely target the tissue that contains the cancer cells. Tracking the position of normal tissue structures means that we can use higher doses of radiation on the tumor while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
IGRT is utilized when treating tumors in areas of the body that are prone to movement, such as the lungs, liver, and prostate gland, as well as tumors located close to critical organs and tissues.
IGRT Patient Resources
Here are some resources to help you better understand your treatment; how to prepare for treatment; and what to expect before, during, and after treatment occurs.
How Radiation Oncology Centers Treat Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can be treated by radiation oncology centers using external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or internal radiation (brachytherapy). Learn more here.
How IMRT for Prostate Cancer Helps Prevent Cancer Spread
Using IMRT for prostate cancer treatment kills cancer cells and helps stop the spread of cancer—improving a patient’s overall prognosis.
FAQs
What is the difference between IGRT vs IMRT?
While IMRT is one of the standard radiotherapies utilized for the treatment of prostate cancer, as it allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the prostate while reducing radiation exposure to the organs around it, IGRT allows for this therapy to be used with even greater precision. IGRT, when used in conjunction with IMRT or 3D CRT, allows doctors to track the positioning of the prostate in the body before treatment to focus and localize radiation treatment.
What does IGRT look like?
Once your initial imaging is done and treatment is set, each individual treatment session takes between 10-15 minutes and involves two stages–the IGRT stage and the treatment stage. If your treatment plan includes IGRT, each session will start with the IGRT scans.
At the start of your appointment, the radiation therapist will position you on the treatment table. They may use foam blocks or other devices to ensure your body stays in just the right place to capture clear images.
The images obtained during IGRT will be compared to the images from your CT simulation and will enable your treatment team to precisely target your tumor during your 3D-CRT or IMRT radiation treatment. Your radiation therapist may reposition you and take more images. Once the exact location of your tumor has been identified, your radiation treatment will begin.
The entire treatment process is painless and rapid, and patients remain awake through the treatment. Visit the IMRT pages for more information on what to expect during your treatment.
Your Radiation Therapy Journey
Our team offers several radiation treatments for prostate cancer at both of our cancer centers. Click below to learn more about our cancer care technologies, see frequently asked questions about prostate cancer, discover resources and information to support you on your cancer journey, and find out what you can expect from treatment.
Technologies
Learn More about our cancer care technologies
We offer 3D-CRT, CT Scanning & Simulation, IGRT, IMRT, and Cone Beam CT.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about prostate cancer? We've got answers.
Support
Cancer Survivorship & Support
Resources and information on cancer survivorship and support groups.
Patient Information
What to Expect from Treatment
Here's what you can expect before, during, and after your radiation therapy treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are referred to radiation therapy during your cancer care, you get to choose where to receive treatment. We are here to support and encourage you—call us today to schedule your first appointment at our radiation oncology center nearest you.