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Services & Therapies
3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (High Precision Radiotherapy)

Three dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) is a sophisticated irradiation technique which allows a high dose delivered to the tumor while keeping the dose to the adjacent normal tissues below tolerance. This improves cure rates and decreases chances of treatment related complications. In recent years, 3DCRT has become quite popular and widely available due to recent advancements in computer technology.

The following are basic steps in 3DCRT:

1. Before your treatment can start, a custom immobilization device will be made for you. The goal of a good immobilization system is to ensure comfortable and reproducible patient positioning throughout your treatment. This is important to ensure the target receives the intended radiation dose in each treatment fraction.
2. You will next undergo a CT (computed tomography) scanning which will allow your physician to create detailed, 3-dimensional representations of the tumor and neighboring healthy tissues. In addition to CT scans, your physician may also take MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans to better visualize target volumes. These image scans are fused together to obtain the most accurate target information.
3. Using this 3-dimensional information, radiation beams are shaped to match the shape and size of the tumor. Tumor shaping is done via beam’s eye view planning using multi-leaf collimators, which are a set of 120 narrow leaves. The beam angles are appropriately selected so as to maximize tumor dose and sparing of normal tissues. In fact, compared to conventional radiation therapy, the tumor dose can be increased without increasing normal tissue toxicity.
4. Your treatment plan is evaluated for target dose coverage and normal tissue sparing. Target dose is examined in multiple planes to assess adequate coverage.
5. Patient is setup on treatment table with specific instructions from the treatment planning system. Prior to treatment an X-ray image of the patient is taken and compared with computer simulated setup. After all checks are satisfactory, your treatment shall begin. You will not feel anything during your treatment.