Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Overview
What Is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy?Intensity modulated radiation therapy is a type of radiation therapy for treating hard-to-reach tumors. It uses 3-D imaging technology, allowing doctors to adjust the radiation beam and strength based on a tumor's size, shape and location. This reduces the amount of radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
Doctors recommend intensity modulated radiation therapy for both cancerous and noncancerous tumors. This therapy may be combined with respiratory gating and motion management technology.
What to Expect
Intensity modulated radiation therapy is a painless outpatient procedure. It is similar to having an X-ray, only it lasts a little longer. You will lie very still on an exam table. Treatment lasts approximately 10 to 30 minutes.
Depending on the type of cancer, treatments may occur daily for up to six weeks. Between sessions, you may go home and resume normal daily activities.
Possible Side Effects
Because no two people respond to radiation therapy the same way, our radiation oncology team will discuss with you any potential side effects.
You may experience one or more of the following:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Skin changes
Cancers Treated
- Brain
- Head and neck
- Prostate
Connect with providers for illnesses like flus, UTIs and rashes (ages 3+) or chronic conditions like asthma, weight management and diabetes (ages 18+).
Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options.