IGRT
IMAGE GUIDED RADIOTHERAPY
SUBRATA DAS
IGRT – IMAGE GUIDED RADIOTHERAPY
IGRT, or image guided radiation therapy, is a technique in which
frequent imaging is used to enhance accuracy throughout the
course of a patient’s radiation treatment. Imaging equipment
may be built into the machine that delivers high-energy
radiation beams (linear accelerator) or mounted nearby in the
treatment room.
After reviewing images captured prior to or during a patient’s
treatment session and comparing them to previously captured
images (including those taken during the pre-treatment
simulation process), a radiation oncologist can adjust the
patient’s treatment plan or body positioning as necessary to
optimize the further delivery of radiation therapy.
TYPES OF MODALITIES
There are several different modalities
used for IGRT, Including -
Cone-beam computed tomography
(CBCT), Positron emission tomotherapy
(PET), And Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI)
CBCT
CBCT is a type of imaging
technology that uses a cone-
shaped X-ray beam to create a
3D image of the patient’s
anatomy. This allows the
radiation oncologist to precisely
target the tumor and avoid
healthy surrounding tissue.
PET SCAN
Pet images uses a radioactive
tracer that is injected into the
patient’s bloodstream. The
tracer accumulates in the tumor,
which can be seen on the PET
scan. This information can be
used to guide the delivery of
radiation to the tumor.
MRI – MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
An MRI machine produces section image
in any special directions. The normal MRI
image basically shows water molecules
which all aligned with the magnetic field
produce by the machine and addition
powerful magnetic field impulse deflects
the water molecules out of the alignment
for a brief instance. Then they move back
to their original position.
The energy release by this process can be
measured and translated into a image.
This can be useful for guiding radiation
delivery to tumors in certain areas of the
body
EBRT – EXTERNAL BEAM RADIOTHERAPY
IGRT can be delivered using external beam
radiation therapy (EBRT) which uses a
machine called a liner accelerator to deliver
radiation to the tumor from outside the
body.
Patient lie on a table while a machine directs
radiation beams that are carefully designed
for tumor location toward patients.
EBRT aims to kill cancer cells and shrink
tumors while preventing damage to
surrounding healthy tissue as much as
possible
VMAT
Another type of EBRT used for IGRT is VMAT. VMAT
is a type of radiation treatment in which a three-
dimensional dose of radiation is delivered with a
single rotation of a linear accelerator. Compared to
other options, in which a delivery machine must
rotate around a patient several times, starting and
stopping periodically throughout the process,
VMAT is faster and more efficient, taking as little as
two minutes per delivery session.
BRACHYTHERAPY
IGRT can also be delivered using
brachytherapy, which involves
placing radioactive sources
directly into or near the tumor.
This is often used to treat
gynecologic, prostate, and
breast cancers.
Brachytherapy implants (often
referred to as seeds) can be
inserted for a short period of
time and removed once the
treatment is complete, or they
may be left in place after all of
the radiation has been released.
IGRT ADVANTAGE
IGRT makes it possible for a radiation
therapist to narrowly focus powerful
radiation beams on a targeted tumor,
even as the tumor shrinks over time or
moves during a patient’s natural
breathing cycle. As a result, image
guided radiation therapy can help
ensure the safe administration of the
highest radiation treatment dosage
prescribed for a patient. As compared
to traditional radiation therapy, some
benefits of IGRT include:
• Increased precision.
• Improved tumor monitoring and
control.
• Enhanced effectiveness.
• Minimal exposure to healthy organs
and tissues surrounding a targeted
tumor.
• Shorter treatment schedules.
COST AND AVAILABILITY OF IGRT
Location: The cost of healthcare services can vary depending on where you
live, However Apex Hospitals Malviya Nagar is situated at JAIPUR CITY which is
easily accessible through various modes of transport.
Healthcare provider: The cost of IGRT treatment can vary depending on the
healthcare provider, Therefore Apex Hospital provides high-quality IGRT
treatment at an affordable price.
Insurance coverage: Insurance coverage can affect the cost of IGRT treatment.
Some insurance plans may cover all or part of the cost of IGRT treatment,
while others may not. In this case Apex hospitals is way ahead we provide full
cover of insurance for whole RT plans.
Treatment duration: The length of treatment can also affect the cost of IGRT
treatment. Longer treatment courses may be more expensive than shorter
treatment courses. So I would say “Begin your cancer treatment worry-free at
Apex Hospitals, where expenses are not concern”.
IGRT CONCLUSION
For these reasons, IGRT may be recommended for
treating tumors that are located in close proximity
to vital and sensitive organs, such as the heart and
kidneys. Also, image guided radiation therapy can
be useful for addressing tumors in parts of the
body that are prone to movement, including the
lungs, prostate and liver.
IGRT are vital to achieving continual improvement
in patient outcomes and quality of life. However,
the true difference lies not only in the equipment,
but also in the team behind it
THANK YOU
SUBRATA DAS
RT TECHNOLOGIST
APEX HOSPITALS, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN 302017
