Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

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Overview

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy, also called IMRT, is an advanced type of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to kill cancer cells. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources.

With IMRT, the beams of radiation are carefully customized. The beams are shaped to match the shape of the cancer. The beams can move through an arc while they deliver the radiation. The intensity of each beam can be varied. The result is a precisely controlled radiation treatment. IMRT delivers the correct radiation dose as safely and efficiently as possible.

IMRT can be used to treat cancers and tumors that aren't cancerous, which are called benign tumors. It can treat cancers and tumors anywhere in the body.

The goal of IMRT is to deliver the correct dose of radiation to the target and minimize radiation outside of the target. This helps lower the risk of hurting nearby healthy tissue.

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Why it's done

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy, also called IMRT, is used to treat cancers and tumors that aren't cancerous. The goal of treatment is to target the radiation so that nearby healthy tissue isn't hurt.

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Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) care at Mayo Clinic

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Doctors & Departments
April 16, 2024
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  1. Tepper JE, et al., eds. Intensity-modulated and image-guided radiotherapy. In: Gunderson & Tepper's Clinical Radiation Oncology. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 16, 2023.
  2. Mitin T. Radiation therapy techniques in cancer treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 16, 2023.
  3. Nguyen H. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. May 5, 2022.
  4. Accredited facility search. American College of Radiology. https://www.acraccreditation.org/accredited-facility-search. Accessed Jan. 16, 2023.
  5. Searching for cancer centers. American College of Surgeons. https://www.facs.org/hospital-and-facilities/?searchTerm=mayo+clinic&institution=CocHospital&address=&sort=relevance&page=1. Accessed Jan. 16, 2023.

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Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)