Image Guided Radiation Therapy

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, also called IGRT, is another specialized radiation treatment, which is very precise when targeting the tumor by delivering the radiation beam on the affected area without harming the tissues and organs that surrounds the tumor. The image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is done by the radiation oncologist by using a very precise imaging system or equipment and LINAC (Linear accelerator) to deliver the radiation onto the tumor. This imaging system is really helpful as it let the radiation oncologists to observe the tumor before, during and after the treatment. In other words, one can see the every step of the treatment.

When starting the therapy session for mesothelioma cancer, first the patient is lay on the treatment table so that marks can be made on the treatment area, which are in position with the path of the radiation beam. Then, the images are being taken, first for the preliminary stage when the therapy is being started for the patient. With the use of computer software these images are then compared and analyzed throughout the therapy sessions. All these comparisons are being made just to ensure whether the adjustments need to be made to the position of patient and also for the path of radiation beams. Sometimes adjustments are needed then; we have to take new set of images, which are then compared with the old set to make sure the tumor is being targeted really precisely. 

What are the equipments used in taking images?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a kind of imaging process that uses a radio waves and magnetic field to create three dimensional images. These images came very handy if we want to view from variety of angles.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

 

CT scan or CAT scan makes use of multiple images, which are then combined by the computer to show the cross-sectional and three dimensional views of the tumor.

Ultrasound

 

Transducer is a small device, which is being passed all along the area, which is to be tested. Sound waves are being produced by this device through bouncing off the tissues that produce echoes.

Positron Emission Tomography

 

In Positron Emission Tomography or PET scan, a very small quantity of a radioactive material is given to the patient either via breathing in, injection or orally. Eventually, this radioactive material collected in the affected area and can be acknowledged as a bright spot on the scan. 

This therapy can offer better understanding of the movement of tumor before, during and after the treatment in the near future, which I truly believe.