What Is IGRT?

Radiation therapy is used to treat more than half of all people with cancer. Doctors use this method to treat, prevent relapse or slow development for almost all types of cancer, as well as in the therapy of some benign (non-cancerous) tumours. Radiotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. This method is based on the use of high doses of radiation to kill tumour cells and reduce their volume.

Why is radiation therapy needed in oncology?

There are several options for use in radiation therapy oncology, among them:

• Neoadjuvant therapy. Before surgery, to reduce the tumour in volume;
• Adjuvant therapy. After surgery to stop the growth of cells that may have remained in the body;
• Intraoperative radiation. During the operation, so that the rays hit the tumour directly. This approach allows the delivery of an increased dose of radiation to the tumour zone with minimal harm to nearby healthy tissues;
• In some cases, radiotherapy is used as the only method of treatment. But, more often, it is combined with other methods such as surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy;
• In advanced cancer, palliative radiation therapy is provided to relieve symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life.

Radiation therapy can be used in combination with other methods before, during or after them to enhance the effect of treatment. At what stage radiation therapy will be carried out depends on the purpose of its implementation and the type of cancer.

What Is IGRT?

Visual-controlled radiotherapy (IGRT) combines imaging and radiation at the same time. With the help of specialized computer equipment before the radiotherapy session and during treatment, the shape of the beam of rays on the area to be irradiated is accurately adjusted and the patient’s position on the procedural table is fixed. At the same time, three-dimensional images of organs or tissues allow doctors to respond to anatomical changes in the tumour and the parameters of the patient’s body position.

The leading Israeli clinic Tel Aviv Medical Clinic uses only modern and high-tech cancer treatments. The doctor selects individual therapy taking into account the age of the patient, his general state of health, the type and stage of the disease, the localization of the tumour. It is worth noting that our clinic uses comprehensive therapy. Thus, our patients will be able to consult with other narrow specialists.