Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is the most precise, advanced treatment for prostate, head, neck and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) cancers. IMRT is a type of radiation therapy that kills and shrinks tumors with high-energy beams while protecting nearby healthy tissue.

The Foley Cancer Center’s RapidArc™ Technology uses custom radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. These powerful energy beams are shaped to match the shape of your tumor, directing more radiation to the tumor.

RapidArc™ Technology

The RapidArc™ machine is a fast, precise type of IMRT. RapidArc™ is an efficient treatment because it delivers radiation with just one or two rotations around you, which means the treatment is faster to complete. The machine can also vary the amount of radiation for targeted treatment.

How IMRT Works

The RapidArc™ machine uses software to deliver an exact dose of radiation based on your tumor size. The radiation oncologists overseeing your treatment can adjust the amount of radiation you need, which means that you’ll receive highly targeted treatment without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.

Who is IMRT for?

Your doctor may recommend IMRT if you’ve already had the maximum dose of conventional radiation therapy and have a tumor that has come back after treatment. IMRT is helpful for treating sensitive areas because of its exactness. IMRT is commonly used to treat prostate, head, neck and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) cancers.

What to Expect During Treatment

IMRT is painless for most patients. If you have physical limitations, positioning during treatment could be uncomfortable for you. The procedure isn’t noisy and does not confine you to a small space. Talk with your care team before treatment to understand what to expect based on your situation and needs.

It will take between five to 15 minutes to set up and position you for treatment. After taking X-ray images to check your position, your treatment begins. Your care team will monitor you from nearby.

Your treatment will likely continue five days a week for several weeks, depending on your personalized care plan.

Learn more about cancer treatment at Rutland Regional’s Foley Cancer Center.