Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a form of radiotherapy used primarily for the treatment of prostate and head and neck cancer, but it has been used in a limited fashion for the treatment of lung-related cancers and for mesothelioma. IMRT is one of three types of radiation treatment used on mesothelioma patients. The other two are Three-Dimensional Radiation Treatment (3D-CRT) and Brachytherapy.

IMRT makes use of a computer-controlled device called a linear accelerator, which increases the speed by which radiation travels along a straight path. The accelerator makes it possible to deliver precise, high-radiation doses to the whole tumor or to certain portions of the tumor. The precision minimizes the risk of injuring healthy tissue within the vicinity of the irradiation area. Because the beam is released in many short bursts the radiation dose is more easily conformed to the size and shape of the tumor. Getting rid of the tumor is a significant factor in the life expectancy for a mesothelioma patient.