Cancer center employs new technology: IMRT

Health Scope by Ella Johnson

March 8, 2004 -  The Evansville Cancer Center is using a new technology to treat prostate cancer that delivers a higher does of radiation to tumors while reducing radiation exposure and tissue damage to surrounding organs and bones.

Intensity modulation radiation therapy works by allowing a radiation oncologist to enter a prescription into a computer. The computer searches through several alternatives before selecting the treatment that meets the physician's goals.

IMRT is also effective at delivering high-dose radiation to tumors located in the head and neck while avoiding most of their parotid gland, and to lesions on the spine, skull and lungs.