Radiation Oncology

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

For years, oncologists have faced a frustrating challenge. They know that if they can deliver a high dose of radiation to a localized tumor, they have a very good chance of eradicating the tumor and possibly curing the patient. On the other hand, such a dose can pose a substantial risk to surrounding tissue and organs. Because of this, some patients had to be treated with less radiation than ideal, and some tumors were difficult if not impossible to optimally treat.

Until now.

Torrance Memorial Leads the Way

There is a highly-advanced new radiation therapy technique now available that delivers high doses of radiation to tumors while substantially reducing risk to normal tissues. Torrance Memorial is one of only a few hospitals in Los Angeles County to offer this leading edge technology, called Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).

IMRT, a form of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), is one of the most precise and sophisticated treatment techniques currently available. Torrance Memorial joins other quality medical centers in offering this state-of-the-art treatment technology.

"IMRT offers great potential for improving the efficiency and efficacy of radiotherapy," says Torrance Memorial radiation oncologist Thomas Simko, M.D.. "I believe it will greatly improve the field of radiation oncology."

Increased Effectiveness

Recent studies in prostate cancer patients have shown encouraging results with radiation dose escalation through IMRT. Studies have shown that this precise delivery of escalated doses helps improve the local tumor control rates while decreasing harmful side effects. For hundreds of clinicians and thousands of patients, these improvements increase the odds of beating cancer significantly.

How IMRT Works

Sometimes a tumor is close to sensitive tissue, like the spinal cord, or it may be partially wrapped around another organ, making it difficult to put enough radiation into the tumor to be effective. IMRT uses computer-generated images to plan and then deliver much more tightly focused radiation beams to cancerous tumors than is possible with conventional radiotherapy. With this capability, clinicians can "paint" a precise radiation dose to the shape and depth of the tumor, while significantly reducing the adverse effects of doses on healthy tissue.

"Pretend you have an apple that's been bruised," says Dr. Simko. "Think of the bruise as a cancerous tumor. With IMRT, we can destroy the bruised area safely, no matter what size or how deep, while leaving the rest of the apple unharmed. It's the same with your body."

The precise placement of radiation to a tumor has real, practical benefits to patients. When treating head and neck cancers, for instance, traditional radiation techniques often destroy the saliva glands. This leaves the patient with a permanent condition of dry mouth, which is not only uncomfortable, but potentially damaging to the teeth and jaw. With IMRT, an effective dose of radiation can be "painted" around the saliva glands, leaving them healthy and functioning properly.