IMRT provides better outcomes, fewer side effects

The Tuality/OHSU Cancer Center offers intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for select patients with prostate cancer, and some types of head and neck cancer.

This state-of-the-art treatment method delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells in a much more targeted way than is possible with conventional radiotherapy.  It does this while sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue, leading to fewer complications and side effects.

For patients with head and neck tumors, IMRT minimizes the harmful exposure of radiation to the spinal cord, optic nerve, salivary glands, and other vital structures.  For those with prostate cancer, it can significantly reduce radiation exposure to the nearby bladder, rectum, and healthy tissue.

IMRT uses several technological advances, including advanced diagnostic imaging, powerful computing, and specialized treatment planning software that maps out an individualized treatment plan. 

Clinical studies have shown that the higher dose rates of radiation delivered with IMRT techniques significantly improved the rate of local tumor control.  At the same time, the rate of normal tissue complications has been reduced from 10 percent to 2 percent.