3D conformal radiation is a radiation therapy procedure which allows doctors to sculpt radiation beams to the shape of a tumor. The process is typically used on tumors that have irregular shapes or that lay close to healthy tissues and organs and may limit radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
This radiation technology allows doctors to see a tumor in all the three dimensions. The equipment is then used to deliver radiation beams from several directions to the tumor which is based on the images seen by the radiotherapist.
In the past, radiation beams only look at the height and width of the tumor — exposing healthy tissue to radiation. The modifications in imaging technology have made it possible to locate and treat the tumor more precisely and specifically.
Conformal radiation therapy uses the targeting information to focus certainly on the tumor while avoiding the healthy surrounding tissue.
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3D conformal therapy is — in many ways — like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). They both target cancer while sparing healthy tissue.
A radiation oncologist will decide which therapy is best for the patient, based on his tumor’s shape and location.
How does the patient deliver 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy?
Before treatment, the patient will have a radiation planning (or simulation) session, where a therapist will make a custom-fit mold.
The radiologist will take a 3D image of the patient’s tumor, often using one of the following imaging methods:
- CT (computed tomography) Scan.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
- PET (positron emission tomography) scan.
- PET-CT scan.
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Then, a computer program analyzes the 3D image and designs radiation beams that conform to the shape of the tumor.
3D Conformal Radiation Treatment: What to Expect?
A 3D conformal radiation treatment session takes about 30 minutes in total.
The therapist sets up the treatment according to the 3D images of the tumor and the info from the simulation.
- The patient lies in the mold on the x-ray table.
- During treatment, beams from several directions precisely match the tumor’s height, width, and depth.
- The linear accelerator moves in a circular fashion around the tumor area.
- The actual treatment lasts only a few minutes.
The oncologist will decide treatment schedule, including how many times per week the patient will need to repeat radiation treatment.
What to expect for 3D conformal radiation therapy?
Patient will have a radiotherapy planning session before starting the treatment. The Radiation Therapists will take a 3D image of the tumor using Computed Tomography (CT) scan. During the planning session, the Radiation Therapists may make marks on the body to ensure reproducible positioning.
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Immobilization devices such as masks may be used if the patient is having treatment to his head and neck, and moulds for flexible body parts. This is done to keep the treatment area completely stable throughout the treatment sessions.
Clinical Oncologist will proceed to delineate the target tumor and the surrounding organ at risk (OAR) based on CT scan, sometimes complemented by MRI and/or PET-CT scans. Next, Medical Physicist will optimize a treatment plan to effectively deliver prescribed radiation doses to the target tumor while minimizing dose to OARs.
During the treatment, the patient will be guided into the treatment room where the Radiation Therapists will position him to the exact setup as during simulation. Once the patient is positioned at the right position, the Radiation Therapists will leave the patient alone in the room.
Rest will be assured by the Radiation Therapists that they are keeping an eye on the patient at all times through the closed circuit television (CCTV). The Radiation Therapists are able to hear and talk to the patient through the two-way communication device installed in the room.
The patient is required to remain still for 15 to 30 minutes. During the treatment, the machine may turn around him. This treatment is painless and safe.
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What are the Benefits of 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy?
Some of the cancer types have seen better outcomes from 3D conformal radiation therapy, including: