IGRT Radiation Therapy
IGRT, or image-guided radiation therapy, is a method that uses repeated imagery to improve accuracy during the course of radiation treatment of a patient. Imaging equipment may be installed into the system transmitting high-energy radiation beams (linear accelerator) or placed in the treatment room nearby.
After reviewing images captured before or during the treatment session of a patient and comparing them to previously captured images (including those taken during the simulation phase of pre-treatment), a radiation oncologist may change the treatment plan or placement of the patient as required to improve the further delivery of radiation therapy.
Tumors can move during treatment because of breathing and other movement within the body. IGRT allows doctors to locate and track the tumor during treatment. With this technology, precise radiation treatment to tumors that shift because of breathing and movement of the bladder and bowels is possible.
