What Is 3D Conformal Treatment?
Radiation Therapy in Anaheim
Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) is an innovative form of radiation therapy. 3DCRT is highly personalized, catering to individual patient’s personal treatment requirements. Unlike previous methods of radiation, a specialized treatment plan is created based on thorough preliminary three-dimensional digital imaging. These digital images are generated by data sets obtained through computed tomography (CT) scans of a patient’s treatment area.
The images produced allow doctors and technicians to analyze a three-dimensional depiction of a patient’s tumor and surrounding anatomy in order to devise an individualized treatment plan.
Using precise 3D information allows doctors to use several highly focused beams to treat the cancer. “Virtual simulation” imaging generally lasts from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the number of scans required. During this initial stage, molds may be constructed for use in the treatment process to help patients remain stationary throughout each therapy session.
Advantages
3DCRT consists of elevated doses of radiation focused on the cancer cells, effecting neighboring, healthy tissue significantly less than previous forms of radiotherapy. Cancers often treated by 3DCRT are head and neck because of precision based targeting. Because each 3DCRT treatment plan is exclusive to a single patient, this therapy typically improves tumor management and reduces side effects.
Although the intensity of the side effects associated with 3DCRT are less than those of previous forms of radiation, side effects may still include: fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and other various side effects that coincide with the specific region of treatment. The severity of these side effects varies among radiotherapy patients.
About The Treatment
A treatment plan is designed in approximately one week following the preliminary groundwork, at which point treatment begins.
- Treatment sessions are 15 to 30 minutes in length
- Sessions occur five times a week
- Sessions span a six-week period
At Beverly Oncology & Imaging, we are committed to superior patient care. We strive to offer our patients the latest advancements in cancer therapy. We consistently and reliably update our technologies in order to ensure the best possible treatment. Call us today to learn more!