Treatment Technology

IGRT

Radiation Therapy

IGRT, or Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, is a specialized type of radiation used in the treatment of various types of cancer. IGRT combines three-dimensional images (such as CT scans) with other types of modulated radiation therapy to provide hyper-targeted treatment for cancerous tumors. Unlike other types of radiation, IGRT allows for a higher level of accuracy, which creates a more effective method of treatment and reduces the amount of excess radiation that areas surrounding the infected region are exposed to.

IGRT can be used in the treatment of a variety of cancer types, including the lungs, liver, and prostate gland. Usually, IGRT is recommended for areas that are prone to movement, as these areas receiving less radiation will in turn reduce the amount of residual radiation that is transferred to other areas of the body. This may also be used in the treatment of tumors located close to critical organs and tissues within the body. Our physicians utilize IGRT technology at the Deaconess Chancellor Center for Oncology, conveniently located just a few minutes from our Evansville clinic.

What happens during IGRT treatment?

When undergoing IGRT treatment, a patient will first be placed in the appropriate position for treatment, as determined by their team of radiation therapists. Assuming the same position during each radiation session increases the accuracy of the treatment, ensuring that the exact same area is being irradiated each time with little to no excess radiation being delivered to surrounding areas. After the patient is properly positioned, images will be taken of the affected area. These images will be compared to previous and simulated images to monitor your response over the course of your treatment. This may influence additional adjustments that your team chooses to make before delivering the radiation.

Once the radiation is being delivered, a patient may be aware of equipment moving around them, and may hear noises or smell odd scents, such as ozone. Some patients report seeing a colored light, though this is usually only present in brain cancer patients. It’s important to remember that these sights, sounds, and smells are all perfectly normal occurrences in IGRT patients and should not be a cause for panic or concern. Remain calm and stay in place during your session, as this will ensure the highest level of accuracy and effectiveness possible.

The advantages of IGRT

As mentioned previously, the primary advantage of IGRT is the hyper-targeted approach that it brings to radiation therapy. This higher level of accuracy reduces the total amount of radiation needed in a patient’s treatment, which in turn reduces the patient’s risk of exposure to excess radiation and potential side effects. It also allows for targeted radiation to areas of the body that would be considered high-risk candidates among other radiation types, such as the lungs or liver. This is because these areas of the body are more prone to movement, and would be more likely to spread excess radiation elsewhere in the body if non-IGRT methods were used.

What are some Side Effects of IGRT Radiation Therapy?

Because IGRT is highly targeted and deals in lower overall doses of radiation than other methods, most patients report little-to-no side effects over the course of their treatment. However, some side effects may still occur, including:

• Hair loss
• Dry mouth/difficulty swallowing
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Soreness
• Swelling
• Urinary and bladder changes

While many patients complete radiation treatment with virtually no side effects, your health team will work with you to create a treatment plan that maximizes your treatment’s effectiveness while minimizing your symptoms. These side effects can be effectively managed through medication, and, when necessary, changes to your treatment regimen. Speak with your health team if one or more of the side effects listed above is occuring, and your team will work with you to keep your symptoms managed.

Our Cancer Care Technologies

We treat patients using proven technologies in radiation oncology, including TrueBeam®, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), RapidArc®, Brachytherapy, and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Click below to learn about each of our cancer care technologies.