Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

Image-guided radiation therapy, also called IGRT, is a time-tested approach that precisely targets the delivery of external radiation beams as part of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Using IGRT, your radiology team takes frequent images of your tumor—both before and during each treatment session. These images detect any movement in the tumor when compared with previous images. Images may include CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans, along with x-rays and ultrasound tests. Using frequent images can help track the exact location of your tumor at different points in time to improve the precision and accuracy of radiation treatment.

Specialized computer software compares the live images of the tumor taken during each treatment with images taken earlier. Adjustments can then be made to the treatment plan, either by changing the patient’s position or by adjusting the radiation beams to more precisely target radiation to treat cancer cells while avoiding healthy surrounding tissue. With this higher degree of accuracy, radiation doses may be increased, which can lead to shorter treatment timeframes and better outcomes.

At Penn Medicine, IGRT therapy may be combined with other therapies, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Your radiation therapy team, which consists of radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, dosimetrists (specialists who calculate the appropriate dose of radiation), radiation therapists, and radiation oncology nurses will assess your specific needs and determine the treatment plan that is best for you.

IGRT is used to treat all types of cancerous tumors and even some noncancerous tumors. It’s a good option for tumors that are likely to move between radiation treatments, or even during a single treatment. It’s also used for tumors in or near sensitive areas of the body. By taking frequent images of a tumor, radiation specialists can track its movement and adjust the delivery of the radiation beams to pinpoint the size, shape, and location of a tumor.

At Penn Medicine, IGRT can be used as part of the radiation treatment plan for the following types of cancer:

• Breast cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer such as stomach cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor
• Head and neck cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer

Image-guided radiotherapy is a pain-free process that uses imaging technology to guide the exact placement of radiation during treatment. Typically, the linear accelerator machine that delivers radiation is equipped with imaging technology to take frequent pictures of the tumor immediately before or during each radiation treatment session, though other external imaging systems may also be used.

You’ll lie on the treatment table while images are taken, and then radiation technicians read the results. If the tumor has moved when compared with previous scans, you may be asked to slightly change your position, or the technicians may change the direction of the external radiation beams using machine settings. This helps match external radiation beams more precisely to the tumor shape and location for the most effective treatment.

Sometimes during treatment you’ll notice that radiation stops while technicians take more images to confirm the position of the tumor. Then radiation treatment restarts once adjustments are made. IGRT treatment time may vary depending on the number of scans needed to evaluate the position of a tumor. Your care team will advise you on a schedule for your treatments and length of each treatment. /p>

IGRT therapy is a visualization technique that uses standard imaging tools, including CT, MRI, and PET scans. There may be a slight increase in radiation exposure from multiple imaging tests, though this is not considered a high risk.

There are no side effects associated with IGRT therapy on its own. However, there may be side effects from the accompanying radiation therapy itself. This is often dependent on the location of your tumor, the radiation dosage, and treatment duration. Common side effects can include skin sensitivity, fatigue, and nausea. Your radiation oncology team can answer any questions you have about typical side effects and recovery periods based on your treatment plan. They’ll also advise you on techniques to keep you comfortable and pain-free as you recover.

When you come to Penn Medicine for IGRT treatment, you’ll have access to experienced radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and radiation oncology nurses who have an international reputation for excellence in patient care. We offer standard and advanced radiation therapies that treat a range of cancerous and noncancerous tumors. We’ll work with you to match the best treatment option to your specific needs. You’ll receive safe, effective treatment and care from experts who specialize in treating tumors in any part of the body.

Our advanced tools and technologies are informed by research. This gives you access to every type of radiation therapy that has been carefully studied and approved for use in our radiation facilities, which are nationally accredited by the American Society for Radiation Oncology. We also offer clinical trials for eligible patients who can receive the latest treatment options before they are widely available. We focus on providing you with compassionate care that improves your quality of life and delivers the best possible outcomes.