Radiation Treatment
Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy
(VMAT)
Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a newer form of radiation therapy that uses a continuously rotating cone beam to provide treatment. The radiation is administered completely outside of the body using several smaller beams simultaneously instead of just one, which allows for better accuracy. Since the machine rotates in one movement rather than stopping periodically, VMAT treatment tends to be quicker than other forms of radiation therapy.
Because radiation is only delivered to the targeted area, using VMAT can help our radiation oncologists come up with a treatment plan that protects more of the nearby noncancerous tissues.
Radiation Treatment
Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy
(VMAT)
Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a newer form of radiation therapy that uses a continuously rotating cone beam to provide treatment. The radiation is administered completely outside of the body using several smaller beams simultaneously instead of just one, which allows for better accuracy. Since the machine rotates in one movement rather than stopping periodically, VMAT treatment tends to be quicker than other forms of radiation therapy.
Because radiation is only delivered to the targeted area, using VMAT can help our radiation oncologists come up with a treatment plan that protects more of the nearby noncancerous tissues.
Cancers VMAT Treats
VMAT is used to treat a variety of cancers, including:
- Prostate
- Lung
- Pancreatic
- Head and neck
Because the dosage and delivery are so precise, VMAT treatment works well for tumors that are oddly shaped or that are located near vital organs that need extra protection.
IMRT vs. VMAT
VMAT is a kind of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy, or IMRT. The main difference is that VMAT uses a machine that rotates, but IMRT doesn’t.
The advantage of using VMAT over using IMRT alone is that VMAT’s treatment time is significantly shorter than the typical IMRT treatment.
VMAT also incorporates elements of other radiation therapies, such as image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). This allows us to use high-tech imaging to make sure we have the correct position of the tumor before treatment begins.
How VMAT Treatment Works
VMAT uses X-rays generated by a machine called a medical linear accelerator, or LINAC, to deliver small beams of energy at various intensities as the machine rotates around you. The shape and intensity of the beams varies throughout the rotations as the radiation works to kill cancer cells.
Before your treatment, we will meet with you to take a series of 3D images (usually via CT, MRI, or PET scans) of your body. This helps us determine the tumor’s exact location and how we can provide the appropriate radiation therapy while also protecting healthy tissue as much as possible. You will also be positioned using the LINAC machine to confirm the best placement of your body before the actual procedure. This process, called a simulation, may involve only one session, or it may involve several to make sure everything is lined up properly.
During treatment, you will receive customized doses of radiation as the machine rotates. Some treatments involve only one rotation, or arc, while others require several. The process is painless, and your radiation therapist will be monitoring you throughout the procedure.
The whole treatment process generally takes about 10-15 minutes, with the actual radiation exposure only lasting about two minutes. Depending on your diagnosis, you may need daily sessions for several weeks. Your doctor will go over the specifics of your treatment plan with you.
VMAT is an outpatient procedure, meaning you should be able to leave the same day and resume your usual activities not long after.
Radiation Treatment
Receive all the advanced care you need in one location, right here in your community. Our team offers personalized, interdisciplinary care using the latest treatment technologies, including IGRT, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, and SRS.
IMAGE-GUIDED RADIATION THERAPY (IGRT)
IGRT combines 3-D images with intensity-modulated radiation therapy to pinpoint cancerous tumors as precisely as possible.
INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY (IMRT)
IMRT is an advanced form of external radiation therapy that allows highly-accurate targeting of tumor cells.
IMAGE-GUIDED RADIATION THERAPY (IGRT)
IGRT combines 3-D images with intensity-modulated radiation therapy to pinpoint cancerous tumors as precisely as possible.
INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY (IMRT)
IMRT is an advanced form of external radiation therapy that allows highly-accurate targeting of tumor cells.
STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY (SBRT)
SBRT is an advanced type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation aimed at a very targeted area of the body.
VOLUMETRIC-MODULATED ARC THERAPY (VMAT)
VMAT machines use specialized software and advanced equipment to deliver precise treatments with greater speed.
STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY (SBRT)
SBRT is an advanced type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation aimed at a very targeted area of the body.
VOLUMETRIC-MODULATED ARC THERAPY (VMAT)
VMAT machines use specialized software and advanced equipment to deliver precise treatments with greater speed.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY (SRS)
SRS uses 3-D imaging to precisely target abnormalities in the brain, spine, and other areas of the body.
TREATMENTS & TECHNOLOGIES
We use breakthrough technologies to treat more challenging types of cancer and develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY (SRS)
SRS uses 3-D imaging to precisely target abnormalities in the brain, spine, and other areas of the body.
TREATMENTS & TECHNOLOGIES
We use breakthrough technologies to treat more challenging types of cancer and develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have been referred for radiation therapy, the choice of where to receive treatment is yours. Our Brockton clinic offers the advanced treatments you need at a convenient location. Call us today to book a consultation.