Nuclear Oncology

Posts Tagged ‘IMRT’

Do you use this equipment

A linear accelerator (LINAC) is the device most commonly used to give external beam radiation therapy to cancer patients. The linear accelerator can also be used to treat all parts / organs. Provides high-energy X-rays to the tumor region of the patient. These X-ray treatments can be designed to destroy cancer cells without affecting surrounding normal tissue. The LINAC is used to treat all parts of the body using conventional therapies, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) guided radiotherapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

How does this team

The linear accelerator uses microwave technology (similar to that used for radar) to accelerate electrons in the accelerator called a “waveguide” and then allows these electrons to collide against a target of heavy metal. As a result of collisions, high energy X-rays are produced from the target. These high-energy X-rays are shaped as they leave the machine to form a beam that resembles the shape of the patient’s tumor, and this beam is directed to personalized patient’s tumor. The beam can be formed either by blocks placed at the head of the machine or multi-leaf collimator built into the machine head. The patient lies on a movable treatment couch and lasers are used to ensure that the patient is in the proper position. The treatment couch can be moved in various directions such as up, down, right, left, inward and outward. The beam leaves the accelerator called a gantry part, which can be rotated around the patient. Radiation can be delivered to the tumor from any angle by rotating the gantry and moving the treatment couch. Read the rest of this entry »

IMRT often requires multiple treatment sessions or divided. There are several factors to take into account when determining the total number of sessions of IMRT and dose of radiation. The oncologist takes into account the type, location and size of the malignant tumor, doses to critical normal structures, and the patient’s health. Typically, patients are scheduled for IMRT sessions five days a week for five to eight weeks.

At the beginning of the treatment session, the therapist places the patient on the table and guided to the skin tags that define the treatment area. If you have molded devices are used to maintain the patient in the proper position. You may have to place the patient in another position during the procedure. Imaging systems in the treatment machine such as x-rays or CT can be used to verify the positioning and location markers. Read the rest of this entry »