Radiation Therapy Treatments

Depending on the location, size, and type of tumor, we may use just one or a combination of radiation therapy technologies. One of the most effective, and least invasive, techniques is external beam radiation therapy. This highly-targeted cancer treatment is painless and typically causes only a few side effects which tend to improve after treatments are complete.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation therapy uses a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver the treatment. The machine is aimed carefully at the exact location of your cancer. It does not touch you, but it can move around to position the radiation beams in the most effective places. It is a local treatment, which means it treats a specific part of your body. There are various types of external radiation therapy used at our facility.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a type of external beam radiation therapy that uses advanced technology, such as CT scans or other three-dimensional (3-D) modeling, to manipulate the beams of radiation so they conform to the shape of a tumor. This treatment option allows the oncologist to target cancer cells with various angles of radiation beams, reducing damage to nearby healthy cells. IMRT also allows the radiation oncologist to vary the intensity of some of the beams of radiation. Many patients experience a better quality of life since IMRT can limit the number of side effects experienced.

RapidArc®

RapidArc® by Varian is an advanced technique that combines intensity modulated radiation therapy with a rotational arc delivery. The radiation oncologist uses this machine along with computed tomography (CT) or other imaging technology to pinpoint a tumor and deliver beams that shape to the tumor at every angle in a single rotation around the body. This allows the patient to receive a high dose of radiation that precisely targets the tumor while sparing healthy tissues from damage in much less time during the session.

RapidArc makes planning and delivering IMRT simpler by eliminating numerous steps required for conventional treatments that use multiple beam angles. Because of this, there is potential to offer an improved quality of care and comfort for patients.

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is the use of three-dimensional (3-D) imaging (CT, MRI, or PET scans) to improve the precision and accuracy of treatment delivery. Images are taken before each external radiation therapy treatment session, which allows the radiation oncologist to make adjustments as needed. This accuracy reduces the chance of damage to normal tissue. IGRT, which is often administered in conjunction with IMRT, is primarily used to treat tumors in areas of the body that are prone to movements, such as the lungs, liver, and prostate gland, as well as tumors located close to critical organs and tissues.

Other Innovative Technologies for Optimal Cancer Treatment

CT Simulation for Treatment Planning

To ensure a cancer treatment that is as safe and effective as possible, the West Florida Radiation Therapy care team will perform Computer Tomography (CT) Scanning & Simulation before treatments begin.

The purpose of the CT simulation is to determine the exact location, shape and size of the tumor to be treated. The images taken are used by the radiation therapy planning team and your radiation oncologist to develop a customized treatment plan for each patient.

With detailed 3-D images (CT Scans) and special treatment planning software, the radiation oncologist can plan the treatment with a high level of precision. Because of this, there is less chance of damaging surrounding tissue. In some cases, additional imaging such as a PET/CT or MRI may be needed for the treatment planning process.

You’re also likely to be placed under the linear accelerator during the planning process so they can make sure they know exactly where you need to be during every treatment session. They may place some marks on your body so they are able to realign you in the same place every session.

Cone Beam CT (CBCT)

Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is a form of image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) that allows the radiation therapy team to obtain a CT image of your treatment area prior to treatment delivery. CBCT is different from conventional CT because it uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam rather than a fan-shaped x-ray beam.

In cone-beam CT, a divergent cone-shaped source of radiation is directed through the target, allowing the oncologist to ensure you are in the proper position for treatment. By ensuring you are accurately positioned prior to each treatment, less amount of radiation will be delivered to normal tissues.

Radiation Therapy Cancer Treatment in Clearwater, Florida

Remember, you have a choice on where to receive radiation therapy for your cancer treatment. We have the breakthrough technologies you need for an individualized treatment plan. Click to make an appointment at our Clearwater location.

Request an Appointment