Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses strong energy beams to kill cancer cells. Doctors aim the radiation at the cancer while helping to protect healthy tissue. It is often used to treat prostate cancer, but it can also help treat other types, including bladder and head and neck cancer.
Tumors are often located next to healthy organs and tissues. For example, the prostate sits close to organs that control urination, bowel movements, and sexual function. Because of this, treatment needs to be very precise. Modern radiation therapy is designed to target the cancer while helping protect these nearby areas.
Radiation therapy may be used as the main treatment or after surgery. It can also be combined with other treatments when needed. As technology improves, radiation therapy can help more patients without surgery.
See the best urologists in North Carolina in the Myrtle Beach area for effective radiation therapy.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a type of radiation treatment for cancer. It is designed to target tumors while helping protect nearby healthy tissue.
What Makes IMRT Different?
IMRT is a modern form of radiation therapy. It uses computer planning to guide the radiation beams precisely to the tumor.
Some forms of radiation therapy apply the same amount of radiation to the entire area. But IMRT adjusts the strength of the beams as they move. This helps focus radiation on cancer cells while limiting exposure to healthy organs.
IMRT is an external treatment. The radiation comes from outside the body and does not make you radioactive.
Treatment is given using a machine called a linear accelerator that moves around your body. You don’t feel the radiation, and no cuts, needles, or implants are used.
IMRT is more precise than older radiation methods. That helps protect nearby organs like the bladder and rectum.
Benefits of IMRT
IMRT:
- Delivers the right amount of radiation to the tumor
- Helps protect nearby nerves and organs
- Can be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other systemic therapies when needed
This careful approach helps treat several types of cancer. It also helps to preserve the function of nearby healthy organs and tissues as much as possible.
How Does IMRT Stay So Precise?
Before treatment starts, doctors carefully plan your care. They use imaging scans to see the tumor and the areas around it.
Tumors and surrounding anatomy can shift slightly from day to day. Because of this, doctors use image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) to make sure treatment stays on target.
This may include:
- Small markers (fiducials) placed in or near the tumor to help align treatment
- Imaging performed before each treatment session to verify positioning
- Positioning devices or immobilization equipment to keep you in the exact same position
- Spacing devices that may be used to protect nearby critical structures when appropriate
These steps help keep treatment accurate and lower the risk of side effects.
Who Is a Candidate for IMRT?
IMRT may be recommended for patients with a wide range of cancer types and stages, including:
- Early-stage cancers when radiation is chosen as primary treatment
- Locally advanced cancers, often as a primary treatment
- Cancers that require higher radiation doses. These can be combined with chemotherapy or other systemic therapies when appropriate
- Cancers located near critical organs or structures that require precise dose delivery
- Patients who are not ideal surgical candidates due to age, health conditions, or tumor location
- Patients with recurrent cancer after surgery
IMRT may be used as the primary treatment, instead of surgery. It can also be used after surgery if cancer recurs or residual cancer cells remain. It can also be given alongside chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy, depending on the cancer type and stage.
Where Is IMRT Performed?
IMRT is performed at the Atlantic Coast Regional Cancer Center.
Treatments are outpatient, meaning you do not stay overnight and can return home immediately after each session. Each visit typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes total, with the radiation delivery itself taking only a few minutes.
What Happens During an IMRT Session?
During treatment, you lie still on a treatment table, and the machine moves around you but does not touch you.
- The process is painless
- You can breathe normally
- You can safely be around others afterwards
Most patients are able to work, drive, and maintain their usual routines throughout treatment.
What Side Effects Can Occur?
Side effects often develop gradually and vary from person to person. The specific side effects depend on which area of the body is being treated.
Common short-term side effects may include:
- Fatigue that may increase over time
- Skin irritation or redness in the treatment area
- Changes in appetite or mild nausea (depending on treatment location)
- Localized discomfort or inflammation in the treated area
Possible long-term effects may include:
- Tissue changes or fibrosis in the treated area
- Functional changes in organs within the treatment field
- Rarely, damage to nearby organs or structures
The treatment team will discuss specific risks based on your cancer type and treatment location. Image guidance, fiducial markers, and other precision techniques help lower the risk of serious side effects.
What Is Recovery Like After IMRT?
IMRT doesn’t involve a traditional recovery period. Most patients continue daily activities during treatment. Fatigue may linger for several weeks after therapy ends, but usually improves with time. Any treatment-related symptoms typically settle gradually as well.
Radiation Therapy with IMRT
Radiation therapy can be an effective option for treating several kinds of cancer. IMRT allows doctors to carefully target tumors. It can also help protect nearby healthy organs and tissues.
Radiation Therapy FAQs
1. Will IMRT make me radioactive?
No. IMRT is external beam radiation. Once each session ends, there is no radiation left in your body.
2. Is IMRT better than older radiation treatments?
Yes. IMRT is more precise than older radiation methods and usually causes fewer side effects to nearby healthy tissues.
3. How will I know if IMRT worked?
Your doctor will monitor your response using imaging scans and blood tests over time. The cancer may shrink gradually, and results are typically assessed weeks to months after treatment ends.
4. Where will I get radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is performed at the Atlantic Coast Regional Cancer Center, which serves the Myrtle Beach area and surrounding communities.
5. How do I get started?
Call to schedule a consultation: 854-233-5060.
