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Conformal Radiation Therapy
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy utilizes computerized scans including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography (PET) --as well as simulators and planning treatment systems so we can specifically pinpoint tumors and normal tissue and precisely determine radiation treatment fields and doses. This approach produces an accurate image of the tumor and surrounding organs so radiation oncologists can, in a sense, mold multiple radiation beams to the exact shape and contour of the tumor alone.
Historically treatment planning was based on low-contrast, two-dimensional X-ray images. But with 3-D conformal radiation therapy we are able to perform a volumetric computerized scan of a patient's tumor to define normal and target volume contours, which are reconstructed and then displayed on a computer video monitor. This 3-D visualization allows the radiation oncologist to choose various radiation therapy beam arrangements to maximally cover the tumor with radiation and minimize exposure to normal structures and volatile organs.
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Our philosophy is that no radiation treatment is a routine procedure. We believe it takes a comprehensive group of professionals radiation, surgical and medical oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses, social workers, nutritionists and integrated medicine specialists -- to provide patients with the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.
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