Image-guided Radiation Therapy

Book excerpt: Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is a true revolution in the field of radiation oncology. IGRT provides the unprecedented means of conforming does to the shape of the target tissues in 3-dimensions reducing the risk of complications thereby improving the quality of life of irradiated patients. Moreover, IGRT provides the means to deliver higher than conventional doses thus improving the chance of cure in these patients. Despite its established benefits, several barriers exist to the widespread clinical implementation of IGRT. In the past, great concerns existed regarding the large capital outlay needed for both software and hardware. This barrier is less relevant today given the increased reimbursements possible with IGRT. Today, the most significant barrier is education. IGRT is a fundamentally new approach to both treatment planning and delivery. Adoption of the IGRT approach entails new ways of thinking in regard to patient selection, treatment planning and quality assurance measures. Unfortunately, apart from a few University-based short courses, limited resources are available for the physician and physicist interested in learning IGRT.