A modern technology in cancer treatment: What is IMRT? (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy)

It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear about radiation therapy when you're diagnosed with cancer. But did you know that medical technology has advanced so much these days that there are methods that target only cancer cells and minimize damage to surrounding healthy cells? IMRT is one such advanced, precise treatment method. So today, let's talk about this in a simple way that will clear up any questions or fears you may have.

What is IMRT in simple terms?

Simply put, IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) is a highly advanced radiation treatment for cancer. It is a type of external beam radiation therapy. In this, a special machine called a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) is used to direct high-energy X-ray beams to the cancer cells and destroy them. This machine never touches your body.

The two words "Intensity-Modulated" mean "the intensity can be changed." This is what is special about IMRT treatment. Think about it, a cancer tumor is not the same thickness everywhere, right? Some places are thicker, some places are thinner. IMRT technology can deliver radiation with higher energy (intensity) to areas of the tumor that are denser and have more cells, and deliver radiation with lower energy to thin parts near healthy tissue. It's like a super torch that can be controlled by a computer and can increase or decrease the brightness of the light. This means that while the cancer cells are precisely destroyed, the damage to the surrounding healthy tissue is greatly reduced.

Why is IMRT treatment so important?

Like other radiation treatments, the primary goal of IMRT is to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. However, the biggest challenge is that cancer tumors are almost always located very close to vital healthy organs in our body.

Imagine you just need to remove a few weeds in your garden, but don't want to damage the beautiful flowers you've planted nearby. IMRT does just that. For example, it can be used to treat cancer while sparing vital parts of your body, such as your spinal cord, brainstem, and optic nerves.

Some of the most common types of cancer for which IMRT treatment is used are:

• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Uterine cancer
• And for many other types of cancer.

The expert team behind this treatment

IMRT is not something one person does. It's a team effort. A team of skilled doctors work together to make your treatment a success. Let's see who that team is.

What happens before treatment? (Planning session)

Before you begin treatment, you will have to attend a planning session called a "simulation." This is like a "rehearsal" before staging a play. This is where your medical team gathers all the information they need to plan your treatment.

Things that happen in the simulation:

• Scans: You will have a CT scan to see exactly where the cancer is, its size, and its shape. Sometimes an MRI or PET scan may also be done.
• Marking: You will need to position your body in the same way relative to the LINAC machine each day of treatment. To guide you, very small, permanent dots will be placed on your skin, like a tattoo. These will look like small marks. Sometimes, pen marks will be used, but they will need to be kept in place until the treatment is complete.
• Special Molds: You will need to remain in the same position during the treatment without moving at all. To help with this, a special mold or support can be made to fit the part of your body being treated.

Using all of this collected information, the medical team creates a radiation beam plan with varying intensities that is specific to your cancer.

What happens during treatment?

The treatment schedule will vary depending on the type of cancer you have. Typically, treatment is given in short sessions lasting about 30 minutes a day. Most people will have daily treatment, five days a week (Monday through Friday). This may continue for several weeks.

During a treatment session:

1. You will be positioned in the same position as during the planning session (sim). The radiation therapist will help you using special molds that were made.

2. Then the radiation therapist goes into a separate room and turns on the LINAC machine from there. But don't worry, he can see you clearly on a monitor. There is also an intercom system that allows you to talk to each other.

3. The machine moves as it delivers radiation beams from different angles. You may hear a "clicking" sound and a slight spinning sound during this time. This is completely normal.

You can go home when the treatment is over. This is not an inpatient treatment.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of IMRT?

Like any treatment method, IMRT can have advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at them.

How can you take care of yourself during recovery?

The recovery time varies from person to person. It depends on the dose of radiation you received, the number of treatments, and the part of your body treated. Some people feel better within a few weeks if they experience side effects. For others, it may take a month or two. Your doctor will explain the possible side effects and recovery time to you based on your condition.

Your body needs a good amount of rest during and after treatment. Do these things to help your body heal.

• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get as much rest as possible.

Your skin may be a little sensitive due to the treatment. Be especially careful of the skin in the area where the radiation was applied.

• Wear comfortable clothes such as loose, cotton.
• Use soaps and creams that do not contain strong fragrances or chemicals.
• Do not place hot water bottles or ice packs directly on radiation-affected skin.
• If you are going to be out in the sun, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin. Apply sunscreen, as recommended by your doctor, to areas that cannot be covered.

Talk openly with your treating doctor about all of this. Tell him or her any questions or concerns you may have, even if they are minor.