There are many ways to deliver and target radiation into the body.  As with other modalities, radiation delivery techniques give the physician more choices as to how best to treat and target your cancer.  Depending on the type of cancer and stage, one or more methods may be used to maximize tumor reduction and minimize damage to normal healthy tissues.

3D Conformal Radiation Therapy

3D Conformal Therapy allows us to shape the radiation beam around the tumor and control the dose of radiation throughout the process to limit exposure to normal healthy tissues.  3D Conformal treatment involves the use of CT images (computed tomography) to construct a 3-dimensional, computer-generated recreation of the internal organs and the tumor. This allows the radiation oncologist to target the treatment area while minimizing side effects.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

IMRT involves the use of multiple high-energy x-ray beams to target the tumor. The radiation beams are calculated in advance as part of a patient specific treatment plan to deliver precise radiation while minimizing the dose to the normal surrounding tissues. The strength of the beams can be adjusted as neccessary depending on the size, location and stage of the cancer.

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

IGRT is radiation treatment supported by enhanced graphic targeting. By targeting the treatment area using 2 and 3-D imagery, we can achieve better patient outcomes with fewer side effects.  This is particularly useful when addressing prostate, breast, lung, spine head/neck cancers and other sites in the body.  The clinician can retarget the treatment area daily to overcome any movement of internal organs as well as the size and shape of the cancer site.

Accelerated Partial-breast Irradiation (APBI)

Accelerated Partial-breast Irradiation (APBI) is a newer treatment alternative for women with breast cancer. It works by delivering radiation from inside the lumpectomy cavity (the space left after the tumor is removed) directly to the tissue surrounding the cavity where the cancer is most likely to recur. It is delivered on an outpatient basis twice a day for 5 days.

CT Scanning & Simulation

CT Scanning is used to map the organs and structures within the body.  When a treatment plan is developed, a CT Simulation is necessary to acquire measurements and other technical data.  The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table where multiple scans are performed to generate a digital 3D reconstruction of the tumor area.  The information collected during simulation helps the radiation oncologist and other staff prepare and deliver the radiation treatment.

Seed Implants (Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy)

Seed Implant Brachytherapy involves the use of tiny radioactive isotopes called "seeds" that are permanently placed in the body.  This form of treament controls the dose and reduces exposure to the normal healthy tissues that surround the tumor.  The relative amount of radiation is very low and over a periord of time, implanted seeds lose their radioactivity and can remain in the body.  In the early stages of prostate cancer for example, seed implantation is often used as a stand alone treatment.

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)

HDR Brachytherapy is another form of internal treatment that involves stronger doses of radiation through the use of temporary implants that are attached via catheters to an external radiation delivery source. The clinician monitors the delivery process and removes the catheters when the daily treatment is completed.  Like seed implantation, a prescribed dose of radiation is delivered while minimizing side-effects because the radiation does not penetrate to the surrounding normal tissue.  High Dose Rate Brachytherapy can be effective with beast, prostate and gynecological cancers.

Orthovoltage Beam

Orthovoltage X-rays are sometimes termed "deep" X-rays (DXR). When used to treat patients, radiation oncologists find that they penetrate to a useful depth of about 4–6 cm. That makes them good for treating skin, superficial tissues, and ribs, but not for deeper structures such as lungs or pelvic organs. As with newer technology, we are able to produce X-rays of much higher energy, the penetration of orthovoltage X-rays is considered quite shallow.