IGRT or Image Guided Radiation Therapy is the most advanced technology to track cancer and normal tissues. IGRT decreases radiation dose to normal tissue, decreases side effects and improves outcomes.

This advanced technology allows radiation to be delivered to tumors with more precision than was traditionally possible.

How does IGRT work? Before the radiation beam is turned on, North Shore Radiation Therapy physician's use Image Guidance technology to provide precise and exact information on the specific location of any soft-tissue or bony target. The ability to define a more precise location of the tumor, means a smaller radiation field can be used, so there is less radiation damage done to normal tissue.

What types of cancers are treated with IGRT? Most cancers will benefit from treatments that are more accurate and precise! Tumors of the prostate, brain and head and neck region are treated using IGRT to ensure that delicate tissues such as the rectum, urethra, spinal cord and salivary glands remain away from the higher dose of radiation that is delivered to the tumor. At North Shore Radiation Therapy, IGRT is used in with other advanced technologies such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Respiratory Gating and IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy).

How does IGRT help in the treatment of prostate cancer? When treating prostate cancer with IGRT, we see significant benefits.  As the bladder fills and empties, the prostate moves, sometimes significantly.  This means that the prostate will be in different positions for each day of radiation treatment. At North Shore Radiation Therapy we use IGRT  before the treatment is given to ensure a more precise delivery of radiation.  We use this in conjunction with Rapid Arc Radiation Therapy by Varian to deliver this radiation more quickly than conventional methods, sometimes in under two minutes.  For more information about Rapid Arc, click here. 

What about IGRT for Lung or Breast Cancer?  Lung and breast cancers  will benefit from IGRT and other technologies such as Respiratory Gating and IMRT by taking breathing motion into consideration, and decreasing radiation doses to the lungs and heart.  It has been shown that unecessary radiation to these organs can create signifcant problems after treatment, such as secondary cancers. 

At North Shore Radiation Therapy, lung cancers are tracked using Respiratory Gating or 4-dimensional treatment planning, which "tracks" a tumor during breathing.  This allows us to know the exact location of the tumor, monitor it's movement and significantly reduce or eliminate unecessary radiation to surrounding tissue.  For more information about Respiratory Gating and 4-Dimensional Treatment Planning, click here.

North Shore Radiation Therapy's staff has extensive experience using IGRT technology to treat tumors of the brain, pancreas, prostate, head and neck, and gynecological tumors.

North Shore Radiation Therapy physicians were among the first to use OBI in the treatment of prostate cancer, as well as other diseases, and have demonstrated the ability to deliver more radiation safely.