What Are the Benefits of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)?
With the higher precision of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), it has become increasingly important to consider any small movements that may take place. Each treatment (or fraction) is designed the same, but movement may occur in the target or normal tissue from day to day (interfraction) or during treatment (intrafraction).
Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) requires more frequent imaging to confirm through the course of treatment that your radiation treatments are being delivered accurately and safely. Using CT, ultrasound, x-rays, fiducial markers or electromagnetic transponders, IGRT can further improve upon IMRT to provide this precision.
Additionally, IGRT has made it possible to consider giving larger doses of external beam radiation to shorten the length of treatment for some diseases. The advances in IGRT have helped make newer techniques such as stereotactic body radiation therapy possible.
Radiation Oncology Associates offers image guided radiation therapy routinely for selected cases where multiple types of imaging or higher precision is needed. We currently provide IGRT at all of our locations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts:
Burlington, Concord, Dover, Londonderry, Lowell, Manchester, Nashua, Peabody
