Image-Guided
Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

What is IGRT?

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is a revolutionary technology that allows the patient
to be imaged before each radiation treatment is delivered. With traditional external beam
radiation, cancer patients are diagnosed, staged, and imaged prior to the start of therapy. During the initial planning process, a CT is performed to precisely locate the tumor and determine where the radiation beams should be directed. With advances in imaging, it has been established that many tumors are not stationary. In a situation like this, the movement could cause the radiation beam to miss its target. If this is the case, due to these variations, the original treatment plan created for the patient may not be appropriate.

With the addition of IGRT, the original planning CT is still performed; however, daily CTs are compared to the original, and adjustments are made to compensate for any tumor motion. IGRT allows the radiation oncologist to track tumor movement and tumor changes on a daily basis and ensure the treatment plan is precisely delivered to the target. IGRT more accurately delivers the radiation to the tumor by using tighter margins and ultimately reducing side effects to significantly enhance quality of life.

Click here to download an IGRT Patient Brochure

Which types of cancers can be treated with IGRT?

  • Prostate cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Gynecologic cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Brain tumors
  • Spinal tumors
  • Breast cancer

What are the benefits of using IGRT?

  • Safe delivery of higher radiation doses ultimately leading to improved local control rates
  • Capacity to track and treat the tumor on a daily basis which significantly reduces side effects and enhances quality of life
  • Ability to precisely target tumors which were not considered treatable by conventional
    therapy due to proximity to critical structures

How long will IGRT last?

A treatment plan will be determined based on the cancer type and location as well as tumor size. Most treatments take place five days a week for a period of six to seven weeks. Each session typically lasts between ten and fifteen minutes.

What are the side effects associated with IGRT?

IGRT is generally well-tolerated, and some patients will not experience side effects. Fatigue, skin irritation, and loss of appetite are the most commonly reported side effects, but additional side effects may be specific to the area where the radiation is being delivered.

Side effects usually peak within the second to third week of treatment. If they do occur, it is important for patients to discuss this with the treatment team. Many side effects can be managed through medications and changes in diet. Our treatment team will be able to work with patients to discuss ways to make them feel more comfortable. Many patients are still able to function normally while undergoing treatment; however, it is important for them to get plenty of rest and take time each day to relax.