IMRT for Treating Cancer: All You Need To Know

Overview

Uncontrolled cell proliferation causes cancer. Cancer cells, which make up the tumor, grow quickly. Normal, healthy cells stop reproducing and developing when they come into contact with other cells. Cancer cells, on the other hand, do not stop growing and continue to proliferate. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to cause DNA damage in cells. This either kills or inhibits cancer cells from reproducing. Here we've discussed IMRT (Intensity-modulated radiation therapy), advanced radiation therapy for treating cancer. Let’s learn about the same in brief.

Understanding the procedure-IMRT:

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, is an advanced external beam radiation cancer treatment that focuses radiation on the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, lowering treatment side effects.

Why do you need to undergo such a procedure?

Prostate cancer, head and neck malignancies, gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers, lung cancers, and brain tumors are all treated using IMRT.

When a tumor partially surrounds or is very close to a healthy portion of your body that cannot take the full amount of radiation being administered to the tumor, IMRT is commonly used. When the tumor is not in close proximity to sensitive areas, IMRT may not be required.

For example, surface tumors may not respond well to IMRT but may respond to other forms of radiation. Consult with your radiation team to determine which medical treatment option is best for you.

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How does this procedure work?

A complicated pattern of tiny radiation beams of different intensities is delivered during IMRT treatment. Throughout the treatment, these beams are continually shifting to tailor the radiation to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.

IMRT is the conventional method of delivering radiation therapy for several of the most common malignancies, including prostate and lung tumors.

Complications or side effects related to IMRT:

IMRT treatments, like other external beam radiation therapy treatments, are not supposed to be painful. However, if a patient develops discomfort as a result of the treatment position or positioning devices, the machine can be turned off.

Some patients may experience treatment-related side effects as their treatment progresses. The nature of the side effects is determined by the normal tissue structures that are irradiated near the tumor. The radiation oncologist and the nurse will go over potential side effects and how to manage them.

Radiation can have both immediate and delayed negative effects. Early side effects occur during or immediately following treatment. They usually vanish within a few weeks. The skin of the treated area may become sensitive, red, irritated, or swollen. Dryness, itching, peeling, and blistering are some of the other alterations.

Other early side effects that may occur depending on the location being treated include:

• Loss of hair in the treatment area
• Issues with the mouth and swallowing
• Eating and digestion issues
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting and nausea
• Headaches
• Aches and pains in the treatment area
• Bladder and urinary changes

Late side effects may appear months or years after therapy. While they are frequently permanent, they are uncommon. They are as follows:

• Alterations in the brain
• Spinallterations
• Alteration in the lungs
• Kidney

However, the radiation avoids healthy tissue more effectively, and IMRT side effects are usually negligible. IMRT is often administered as an outpatient procedure. You can continue your normal daily routine after therapy.

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How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of cancer treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout your treatment and will be physically present with you even before it begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangements for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team is dedicated to offering the highest quality health trip and care to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.