Radiotherapy is a medical specialty that employs ionizing radiation to treat tumors, whether malignant or benign.
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, utilizes various types of radiation to safely and effectively manage cancer and other conditions. It works by damaging the DNA within cancer cells, preventing their growth and spread. As these damaged cells die, the body naturally eliminates them. While normal cells are also impacted by radiation, they can repair themselves, unlike cancer cells. The primary goal of radiotherapy is to deliver the highest possible radiation dose to the tumor or target volume while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
3DCRT involves delivering radiation tailored to the tumor’s size and shape from optimal angles, aiming to shield nearby normal tissues.
IMRT is an advanced radiation therapy technique that uses software-driven planning and delivery to focus radiation beams precisely on tumors. This approach reduces the radiation dose to adjacent healthy tissues and organs, thereby decreasing side effects.
IGRT enhances the precision of IMRT. Before radiation delivery, a CT scan is performed using a cone-beam CT scanner integrated with the linear accelerator, ensuring the radiation targets the intended area with millimeter accuracy.
VMAT overcomes the limitations of fixed-field IMRT by delivering arc-based IMRT, where the machine rotates around the patient during radiation administration. VMAT offers an efficient and precise method for delivering IMRT.
SRS and SRT are highly precise techniques that deliver potent doses of radiation using a 3D coordinate system to accurately target tumors, achieving millimeter precision.
SBRT applies the principles of SRS to tumors in the body, accounting for movements such as breathing. It involves 1 to 8 high-dose radiation sessions to destroy tumors, using motion management techniques. SBRT offers superior outcomes compared to traditional fractionated radiotherapy and is effective even for resistant tumors.
TBI is a technique used in preparation for bone marrow transplantation, where radiation is delivered uniformly across the entire body. It is technically complex to ensure even coverage while protecting critical organs like the lungs.