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Radiation Treatment
Call 775-982-4000 to learn more.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation Therapy at Renown features state-of-the-art technology that delivers precise treatments to target cancerous tumors. Our radiation therapists and physicians work together to provide treatment with pinpoint accuracy and spare healthy tissue.
Treatment Options
Radiation Oncology has a range of in-patient and out-patient therapy services.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Image-guided radiation therapy uses all-digital treatment devices with built-in imaging scanners. This allows the doctor to map out the exact location of the tumor and give radiation on the same machine. IGRT technology tracks tumor movement during treatment, which gives doctors the opportunity to make adjustments that ensure accuracy.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT takes three-dimensional scans of the tumor and delivers radiation that is customized to the size, shape, and location of the tumor. The intensity of the radiation is varied (modulated), and the shape of the beam changes as the shape of the tumor changes. IMRT requires the patient to remain still, so the doctor may make a mold or cast to immobilize the patient during the procedure.
External Beam Therapy (3-Dimensional, 4-Dimensional and Conformal)
External Beam Therapy consists of high-energy radiation targeted directly at the tumor. Physicians work with the physics staff, using different energies and techniques to create a customized plan for each patient. Certified radiation therapists give radiation over the course of one to six weeks, depending on the plan, and usually only take 15-20 minutes.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-surgical radiation therapy; there are no incisions. During treatment, the patient lies on a table while the doctor delivers the high-power radiation to a pinpoint location. Because SRS radiation is so accurate, it’s used to treat small tumors of the brain and spine, while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Despite its name, stereotactic body radiation therapy is a non-surgical radiation therapy; there are no incisions. SBRT and SRS are similar, but SBRT deals with tumors outside of the brain and spine. During treatment, the patient lies on a table while the doctor delivers the high-power radiation to a pinpoint location on the body, while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue.
High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
High Dose Rate Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy. The doctor inserts a radioactive source into the tumor for a short period of time. The radiation inside the tumor kills cancer cells and shrinks the tumor, while sparing the surrounding tissue. The doctor removes the device after treatment is complete. HDR is most commonly prescribed for breast, lung and gynecologic cancers.
Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR)
Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that uses tiny radioactive “seeds” that are permanently implanted into the tumor. The seeds release low levels of radiation directly into the tumor over several weeks. Once treatment is over, the seeds are left in the body. LDR is often prescribed for prostate cancer patients.
RapidArc
RapidArc is an IMRT treatment that takes just minutes to complete. The RapidArc machine makes one revolution around the body, delivering a precise dose of high radiation to the tumor. As with standard IMRT treatment, the patient must remain perfectly still to accurately treat the tumor, so casts or molds are made to keep the patient still during treatment.
Calypso 4D Localization System
The Calypso Localization System takes images of the tumor site in four dimensions, 25 times per second, to make sure that only cancerous cells are receiving radiation. It’s imperative for radiation treatments to target cancerous tumor cells, and leave the healthy tissue around the tumor unaffected. However, a patient’s body is constantly moving. Coughs, sneezes, gastrointestinal changes and breathing can all alter the position and location of a tumor. The Calypso Localization System ensures the highest level of accuracy.
Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)
Surface-guided radiation therapy tracks the patient’s skin for movement during treatment. This video-based tracking technology monitors movement, ranging from coughs and sneezes right down to the patient’s breathing pattern. When any motion exceeds acceptable levels the beam is cut to avoid giving radiation to healthy tissue.