Overview

During radiotherapy, radiation beams attack cancer cells while minimizing impact on the surrounding healthy cells. This is because cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation. 

Radiotherapy is rather similar to having an X-Ray. It is targeted specifically to the part of the body being treated and it is painless. 

Modern advances in imaging techniques and computer systems have allowed radiotherapy to be conducted at a higher complexity. It allows for better imaging and localisation of tumours at its specific coordinates. This allows for more accurate and effective delivery of radiation into the tumour while minimizing impact on the surrounding healthy tissue. 

Other Treatments Available

  • 3D Conformal External Beam Radiotherapy is one of the most common forms of external beam radiation therapy. It effectively targets cancer tumours while sparing healthy surrounding tissues.

  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT] is high precision radiation therapy that delivers high dose, modulated radiation beams to cancerous tumours, while limiting impact on healthy surrounding tissue.

  • Volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT] involves the use of external radiation therapy beams being directed in a series of arcs or angles to allow for greater access to tumour. VMAT allows more difficult tumours, such as the ones wrapped around other important structures, to be targeted precisely.

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