Types of Radiation Therapy

• 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is a technique that uses three-dimensional CT scans to determine the exact shape and size of the tumor. The precise radiation beams are used to treat the tumor and minimize the radiation dose to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) uses sophisticated imaging and treatment planning systems to design treatment plans. This therapy uses multiple beams with different intensities to deliver the highest dose to the tumor while minimizing dose to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) uses imaging and treatment planning systems to design treatment plans in which the linear accelerator rotates around the patient while delivering highly-precise and modulated radiation beams to treat the tumor with a high radiation dose and minimize side effects.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a treatment technique that uses multiple high-intensity radiation beams or arcs to delivery extremely precise dose distributions to tumors in the brain during a single treatment. Although “surgery” is in the name, the procedure is non-invasive and does not involve surgery.
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a technique that uses precise imaging in conjunction with high-intensity radiation beams or arcs to deliver high radiation doses to targets within the body in three to five treatments. SBRT is commonly used to treat specific types of tumors in the lungs, spine, liver and prostate.
• Brachytherapy is a technique that involves implanting radioactive sources, called seeds, within or adjacent to tumors. Brachytherapy implants can either be permanent, as in the case of many prostate treatments, or temporary.  Temporary implants are often performed with intense radioactive sources using a device called a remote afterloader. This type of treatment is called high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR).
• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a technique used to treat a tumor or resection cavity at the time of surgery. IORT uses a specialized radiation device to deliver a high radiation dose to the exposed target. Healthy tissues can often be protected by using shielding materials or moving them out of the way.
• Y-90 radioembolization is a form of radiation therapy in which microscopic beads with radioactive material are injected into the blood vessels that supply blood to liver tumors. The microbeads, block the blood supply to cancer cells, and irradiate the tumor.