Brain Lesions Cancer

There are four types of radiation therapies. They are the conventional and conformal, intensity modulated radiation, 'stereotactic' radio surgical operation ('Srs') and image guide radiation therapy ('Igrt').

Brain Lesions Cancer

For conventional and conformal therapy, it is a technique that applies to basic and simple cases. It uses one or two beam directions to irradiate the target (cancer tissues or cells) without involved shielding (for example, the whole brain, spine 'methastases', etc.) It applies manifold beams directions to conform as intimately as possible to the target volume to deliver enough dose to the tumour and at the same time minimizing dose to normal tissues nearby. Both conventional and conformal techniques are based on 3D anatomic data to gain close distributions.

Next, we have the 'Imrt' or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. It is the most advanced treatment technology type we have, which enables 'non' uniform radiation to be delivered to the patient from any given position of beam, to optimize the composite dose distribution. 'Imrt' treatment is classic to the old technique, in terms of sparing of normal tissues and organs. This enables higher doses to be delivered to the cancerous cells without addition side effects. This means good cancer cure in many cases.

'Stereotactic' radio surgical operation or 'Srs' is a 'non' surgical course that uses very focused radiation beams to treat definite types of tumours, inoperable lesions and as a post operative treatment to eliminate any leftover tumour tissues or to obliterate (destroy) abnormal blood vessels in congenital 'arteriovenous' malformations. This course relies on detailed imaging, computerized treatment planning and correct treatment setup with ultimate accuracy. It is only delivered once or any times, depending on the dose prescribed by the oncologist.

Lastly, 'Igrt' or Image Guided Radiation Therapy would be an option. It has the benefit of accuracy during delivery of the treatment. The human body is unique in a way that is always moving. And this movement reflects the behaviour of the organs. As organs move, the tumour can also move in the middle of treatments due to differences in organ filling or movements while breathing. 'Igrt' is an imaging formula on a real time basis where an image of the patient is taken and compared to the planning image, prior to the treatment.