Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

IMRT is an advanced form of external beam radiation therapy that shapes and modulates multiple small radiation beams to match your tumor’s exact size and contour. This allows us to focus more radiation on the cancer and less on nearby healthy tissues.

IMRT can be delivered using a variety of platforms, including the Radixact System at Lynn Cancer Institute, which uses built-in imaging and rotational beam delivery for greater precision and efficiency.

IMRT is often used when tumors are near sensitive structures or have complex shapes, such as cancers of the brain, head and neck, breast, lung, prostate, and certain pelvic or abdominal tumors.

Benefits

Precise targeting: Focuses radiation exactly where it’s needed.

Reduced side effects: Limits exposure to healthy tissue.

Ability to deliver higher doses: Improves tumor control in some cases.

Risks

While IMRT generally reduces side effects, you may still experience mild skin irritation, fatigue, or localized inflammation, depending on the treatment area.