Intensity modulated radiation therapy IMRT

IMRT is a ‘conformal’ radiation therapy. This means radiation beams are shaped to surround the treatment area, so it avoids damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

Known as a linear accelerator (or LINAC) machine. It’s is very similar to a regular X-ray machine.

• The LINAC has a device called a ‘multileaf collimator’. This is made up of thin ‘leaves’. The leaves can be moved independently to create precise shapes around the treatment area
• Before IMRT treatment, we use scanning technology to create a 3D image of the tumour. This means that we can precisely treat the size, shape and location of the cancer
• Our doctors can shape the radiation beam and alter its intensity to target the tumour as the machine rotates
• We’ll carefully plan your treatment using the scan images and computer-aided calculations to identify the exact dose of radiation needed
• The tumour is targeted with a very high dose of radiation. Healthy surrounding tissue receives a much lower dose, reducing the risk of side-effects