Depending on the sort of cancer you have, there are several cancer treatments available. High doses of radiation are used in radiation therapy, an efficient cancer treatment, to destroy cancer cells and manage tumors.
The cancer cells’ DNA is harmed during this treatment, which stops the growth. When the injured cells expire, the body degrades and eliminates them. It may take several days or weeks of treatment before enough DNA damage causes cancer cells to perish. In any cancer hospital in Delhi, you can have this treatment.
You must know the many therapies offered if you desire radiation therapy for your cancer treatment. Several radiation treatments are available, including internal, IMRT, IGRT, 3DCRT, and 2D external beam radiation therapy. Cancer close to sensitive organs is treated using the 2D, 3DCRT, IMRT, and IGRT therapies, among others.
Despite serving the same function, 2D, 3DCRT, IMRT, and IGRT have significant variances. To learn how different radiation treatments differ, see the section below.
Conventional 2D radiation therapy
The tumor is guided and positioned in your body using x-ray films. This treatment is appropriate for urgent cases. People living with Cancer can begin their treatment even that day. Simple square or rectangular beams are utilized in 2D radiation therapy since it is difficult to shape the beam.
3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT)
3DCRT uses three-dimensional scans to pinpoint the tumor’s precise size and shape. And to match the tumor and lessen the adverse effects on healthy tissues. Brain, liver, neck, head, lung, and prostate cancer all significantly improve with this treatment.
Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
Cancer in moving body parts is treated with radiation therapy that tracks the tumors. The prostate gland, the lungs, the liver, the pancreas, and malignancies found in vital organs and tissues should all receive this treatment.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
It delivers several radiation beams focused on the tumor. This treatment is appropriate when the tumor is adjacent to nearby healthy organs.
What is the difference between 2D, 3DCRT, IMRT, and IGRT?
2000 years ago, two to four directions were used to administer 2D radiation therapy. And the majority of recovered patients had dry mouths. The jawbone and spinal cord experienced numerous adverse side effects as well.
To prevent these issues, 3DCRT was created, and the dose was reduced to only a portion of the parotid glans and other critical organs. Smaller beams sent in various directions allowed for this modification, and both treatments were carefully prepared.
The side effects of the parotid, spinal cord, and jawbone were lessened with 3DCRT. IMRT, the computerized, automated technique, also made possible concavity, which sent over 100 beams while carrying out the prescribed course of therapy. The computer system shuts down the radiation when a vital organ is on its way.
Regarding how radiation is scheduled, IGRT and IMRT are identical; however, in IMRT, two x-rays are obtained, the table’s position is precisely adjusted, and then the therapy is administered to the patients while they are dozing on the treatment table.
In IGRT, a machine performs a CT scan, and treatment is administered when the position has been precisely rectified. And this scan isn’t for evaluation; it’s only for spotting noteworthy findings. IMRT/TGRT is delivered by devices like TrueBeam STx, Tomotherapy, and VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy). The side effects are significantly decreased with these therapies.
Summary
There are many differences between 3DCRT and IMRT/IGRT, while between IMRT and IGRT, there are only slight variances. If you wish to use the most advanced technology, IGRT effectively treats prostate cancer and several other large-volume radiation cases. Visit the best cancer hospital in Delhi if you want IGRT.