Three-dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy

Three-dimensional (3D) Conformal Radiation Therapy

It is a cancer treatment which shapes the radiation beams in order to match the shape of the tumor.

Previously, the radiation beams only matched the height as well as width of the tumor that is exposing healthy tissue to radiation. However, the advances in imaging technology have made it absolutely possible to locate and treat the tumor precisely.

The therapy uses the targeting information that focuses precisely on the tumor and avoids the healthy surrounding tissue.

This precise targeting makes it possible to use higher levels of radiation in the treatment. When it comes to shrinking and killing tumors more radiation is more effective.

In many ways, 3D conformal therapy is similar to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Both targets cancer while sparing the healthy tissue.

The radiation oncologist will decide the best therapy for a patient, based on the tumor’s location and shape.

A radiologist will create 3D images of a tumor as well as the surrounding structures, if 3D CRT is recommended for a person using the following imaging technologies:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Computed tomography (CT) Positron emission tomography (PET) PET-CT

3D CRT allows a high level of accuracy and precision in the delivery of radiation treatment. So, it may be recommended for addressing tumors which are close to the vital organs. Example: 3D CRT can allow high-energy X-ray beams to head and neck tumors where it can minimize the exposure to sensitive nearby structures such as optic nerve, spinal cord, and salivary glands.