The term “intensity-modulated radiation therapy” comes from the fact that each beam of radiation can be set to a different intensity based on their position and the best treatment strategy for your situation.

IMRT can be used on its own or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.

• When used as a sole treatment modality, IMRT can work well for treating early-stage cancers and alleviating symptoms.
• Using IMRT in combination with surgery can be effective for situations where the goal is to remove as many cancer cells as possible before a surgery. This may also involve using radiopharmaceutical therapies.
• Combining radiation and chemotherapy, also called chemoradiation, can improve the effectiveness of both treatments.
• IMRT may also be used specifically to reduce cancer symptoms.

Our radiation oncologists use IMRT for prostate cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynecologic cancers, and more.

The ability to use different strengths and positions for the radiation beams makes IMRT a good option for cancers where the affected areas are very close to healthy organs and structures.

If you are being treated with IMRT, the radiation oncologist will obtain images of your tumor(s) prior to the start of your treatment plan. Those images are input into a computer program, which determines the relative positioning and strength of the energy beams for each of your treatments. IGRT, in contrast, involves taking scans not only at the beginning of your treatment plan but also prior to the start of each treatment session.

After the initial planning, IMRT treatments generally involve weekday sessions lasting about 10-15 minutes. Multiple small doses of radiation, followed by weekend rest days, help the treatment remain effective while still allowing breaks for your body to recover. This whole process usually lasts between 2-9 weeks.

Your radiation therapist will make sure you are positioned correctly. This may involve using foam blocks or other devices, as well as marking the target area with ink dots to make sure your position is accurate. Once started, the machine will shift around you as it delivers the radiation.

During the procedure, the therapists will be monitoring you closely during treatment. Afterwards they are able to answer questions.

IMRT is quick and painless. You shouldn’t have any trouble resuming your daily activities afterward. You will also check in with your radiation oncologist once a week to discuss how the treatment is going and address any concerns.

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.