Image-guided radiation therapy [IGRT] utilises advanced imaging equipment and computer software to accurately target tumours.
By using advanced medical imaging equipment to capture the tumour before and during the radiotherapy treatment, the ability to precisely target a tumour with radiation beams is increased. IGRT also allows for an individualised treatment which allows your doctor to customise the treatment to your needs.
The comparison of the captured images with reference images taken during simulation allows the adjustment of the radiation beam to target the tumours with increased precision and accuracy, reducing margins for error. IGRT will effectively minimise unwanted effects on the surrounding healthy tissues.
IGRT is very useful in cancers where tumours are located close to sensitive organs or areas which will move with respiration, such as Head and Neck cancers, Abdominal cancers, pelvic cancers and Lung cancers. Compared to conventional external beam radiotherapy which treats the generic area where the tumour is located, IGRT is able to locate the tumour and effectively target the tumour with the high-powered radiation beam.
Because of the increased precision, high-powered radiation beams can be narrowly focused on the tumour. This maximises the effectiveness of the treatment, achieving increased tumour control and minimising any side effects which allows early resumption of normal activities.
Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Medical Director, MBBS (Aust), FRANZCR (Radiation Oncology)
Dr Tang obtained his medical degree from the University of Newcastle, Australia in 1998 and completed his house officer training at the Hunter Area Health Service, Australia before returning to Singapore to start his specialty training in Radiation Oncology at the National University Hospital (NUH). After obtaining his fellowship from the Royal Australian College of Radiologist (FRANZCR) in 2006, Dr Tang underwent fellowships in breast brachytherapy at University of Wisconsin and Arizona Breast Cancer Specialist Centre as well as prostate brachytherapy, skin and paediatric fellowships at Peter Maccallum Cancer Institute, Australia.
Dr. Johann Tang is an experienced radiation oncologist who aims to deliver the highest level of care to his patients. e is dedicated to understanding each patient’s condition and provides holistic customized care that is both effective and compassionate. With ethics and empathy held at the core of our practice, we strive to understand your individual needs and provide care that is compassionate and responsive.
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