Correlative Imaging - Radiation Therapy

Radiation Oncology

Localized cancer treatment option

Used as the primary treatment modality for many localized cancers - if surgery is not an option

Often used in conjunction with surgery and chemo.

Medical Oncology

Used in conjunction with surgery and radiation oncology

Chemo. or immunotherapy are used for diseased that are not localized or probable for metastasis

Used in pediatrics and gynecology

Surgical Oncology

Primary treatment for localized disease

Used in gynecology, GU thoracic, neurology, and orthopedics

Curative Irradiation

Delivers highest possible dose to tumor to ensure maximum control of the tumor

Healthy tissue around tumor receives minimum dose to reduce side effects

Palliative Irradiation

Does not aim to cure cancer

Goal is to improve quality of life by relieving symptoms or preventing future symptoms/tumor-related complications

Used for patients with terminal cancer

Simulation

Maps out area of treatment via CT scan

Used to determine treatment parameters

Brachytherapy

Internal radiation treatment via radioactive implant directly into the tumor/close by

Can be used as primary treatment or to add an extra dose

Can be in the form of needles, seeds, wires, solutions, etc.

Used for intra-cavity, interstitial, intra-arterial, intraluminal, and intravascular cancers

Virtual Simulators

CT, CT/PET, CT/MR used

3-D information

Capable of producing digitally reconstructed radiographs

Conventional Simulators

X-rays are used

2-dimensional information

Beam Orientation

Multileaf Collimator (MLC)

Adjusts size and shape of radiation beam

Made up of individually adjusted metal fingers/leaves that move across the radiated tissue while the beam is on

Used in IMRT

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

Advanced mode of external beam radiation therapy

Uses linear accelerators

Used to change size, shape, and strength of radiation beam to focus energy on cancerous cells while keeping surrounding tissues healthy

Uses multi leaf collimators

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Used for cranial malignant lesions

Uses a single treatment session with a high dose

Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Used for cranial malignant lesions

Uses two or more treatment sessions with lower doses