IMRT NOW AVAILABLE AT
CANCER CENTERS OF NORTH CAROLINA
September 28, 2006 – Cancer Centers of North Carolina has added an Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) program to its cancer center, enhancing its comprehensive offering of cancer care services to patients in Raleigh, North Carolina. This advanced form of 3-D conformal radiation therapy is commonly used in treating tumors in the prostate, spine, lung, breast, kidney, pancreas, liver, larynx, sinus and brain.
Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which targets a uniform shape to cover the tumor, IMRT involves varying (modulating) the intensity of the radiation being used as therapy for cancer. It enables doctors to place precisely shaped beams of radiation into tumors, and to control the intensity of the radiation beams throughout the treatment area.
Consequently, the dose can be higher in the most aggressive areas of the tumor and lower in areas where the beam is near or passing through healthy tissue or structures. Benefits of this therapy include enhanced control and increased accuracy, resulting in less damage to healthy tissues and structures in the treatment area, and side effects that are more manageable. “Offering easy access to advanced technologies, such as IMRT is key in helping people battle cancer,” said Dr. John Reilly, Radiation Oncologist at Cancer Centers of North Carolina. “This particular therapy is important because its accuracy allows us to treat tumors once thought untreatable because of their proximity to vital organs or structures. It also allows us to use higher doses of radiation that could potentially result in increased cure rates.”
IMRT begins with an intensive, computerized treatment planning process coordinated by a team of specially trained radiation oncology experts. After a radiation oncologist uses 3-D scanning images to draw the shape, size and location of the tumor to be targeted, a radiation physicist devises an individualized treatment plan. To assist in targeting with more accuracy, the patient is usually fitted with a localization device, such as a mask or body frame, to assure that the patient
does not move during treatment.
During IMRT treatment sessions, a linear accelerator delivers high-energy radiation beams to the target. A multileaf collimeter shapes the radiation beam and moves in and out during treatment. This varies the amount of radiation for each area, blocking radiation out or allowing it in according to the treatment plan. The beams may be moved dozens or hundreds of times and each may vary with a different intensity, resulting in radiation sculpted in three dimensions.
About Cancer Cen ters of North Carolina
Established as Raleigh Hematology Oncology Associates in 1979 by Dr. William R. Berry, Cancer Centers of North Carolina is a comprehensive outpatient cancer treatment practice consisting of 16 board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, oncology-certified nurses, research specialists, laboratory technicians and administrative and support staff. The practice currently serves four sites of care in the greater Triangle, with services in Raleigh, Cary and Dunn. CCNC’s physicians are specially trained in hematology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and clinical research. Comprehensive practice services include laboratory services, administration of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pharmacy services, clinical research trials social work services, and financial and insurance counseling. The practice works closely with Hospice of Wake County and various home care providers, and provides resources for a number of patient and family support groups. For information, call (919) 781-7070 or go to www.cancercentersofnc.com.
