Radiation Oncology Department: University of Arizona

IMRT

IMRT (intensity modulating radiation therapy) is now available at the University of Arizona. IMRT is a state of the art cancer treatment method that delivers a precise radiation beam to a tumor. IMRT can deliver higher radiation doses directly to cancer cells while sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue. It can be used to treat tumors that might have been considered untreatable in the past due to close proximity of vital organs and structures. A specialized computer-planning program optimizes the treatment plan based on a physician’s dose instructions and information about tumor size, shape and location in the body. The linear accelerator, equipped with a multileaf collimator, which has "leaves" or "fingers", is used to shape the beam of radiation as well as to control the intensity of the beam in any given location. The University Medical Center is currently using IMRT as part of the program to treat selected prostate cancer patients. This treatment modality is used to better protect the patient’s bladder, rectum, and urethra. We anticipate adding head and neck treatment targets to our IMRT program in the near future.