IGRT stands for Image Guided Radiation Therapy. It is the most advanced technology to track cancer and spare normal tissues. IGRT is the type of radiation a cancer patient wants because this technology decreases the radiation dose to normal tissue, thus decreasing side effects and improving outcomes.
The physicians, technicians and staff or Advanced Radiation Centers of New York have the most experience using IGRT in the entire Metropolitan tri-state NY area. Our Radiation Oncologists also are among the most experienced in the world using this extremely advanced state-of-the-art technology. We are the first in New York State to use RapidArc, which is made by Varian, the world leading manufacturer of machinery and software to treat cancer with radiotherapy. RapidArc is the most sophisticated radiation treatment for cancer available in the world.
How does IGRT work? Before the radiation beam is turned on, ARC physicians use Image Guidance technology to provide precise and exact information on the specific location of any soft-tissue or bony target. Having more precise location information, means a smaller radiation field can be used, so there is less chance the radiation will zap healthy neighboring tissue near to the tumor. That means less damage to healthy tissue, less "collateral damage."
IGRT is like a "high-precision laser scope" that makes the radiation more precise and extremely accurate.
What types of cancers are treated with IGRT? Of course, most cancers benefit from treatments that are more accurate and precise. Tumors of the brain, head and neck region fare well when treated using IGRT because the technology ensures that the delicate tissues, such as the spinal cord and salivary glands remain away from the high dose region. Here, IGRT is used in conjunction with other ARC technologies such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Learn more about IGRT and Head and Neck Cancer . . .
Prostate cancer radiation derives a significant benefit from IGRT. As the bladder fills and empties, the prostate gets pushed and pulled and will be in different positions for each day of radiation treatment. IGRT is used to detect "fiducial" Gold-Markers in the seconds before the treatment is given, to ensure perfect targeting. The physicians of Advanced Radiation Centers have some of the most experience in the world in treating prostate cancer with Gold-Marker Image Guidance technology. Learn more about IGRT for prostate cancer . . .
Breast Cancer treatments benefit from IGRT and other ARC technologies such as Respiratory Gating and IMRT by taking the breathing motion into consideration, and decreasing doses to the underlying sensitive tissues and organs, such as the lungs and heart.
Lung Cancers are tracked as well using Respiratory Gating, a form of IGRT that tracks a tumor using 4-Dimensions, allows ARC's physicians to know the location of the lung tumor despite it's constant moment-to-moment movement. IGRT can ensure that the head and neck position is so precise that doses to the spinal cord and vital organs can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Learn more about IGRT and Respiratory Gating for Lung Cancer treatments . . .
