Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a type of conformal radiotherapy where the radiation dose is tightly conformed to a defined treatment area and the dose can be intentionally varied within that area. Shielding that is inbuilt into the Truebeam Linear Accelerator moves constantly while the beam is on, to accurately shape the radiation dose. By tightly controlling the radiation dose, it allows for increased dose to the tumor or tumor bed while reducing the dose to surrounding healthy tissue.
The treatment time for an IMRT treatment is 15-30minutes and is used in conjunction with image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) techniques to ensure the accuracy of treatment delivery (see details for IGRT below).
The Radiation Oncologist will assess the suitability for IMRT on a case by case basis.