Prostate

Radiation has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for prostate cancer.  IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) is the most common type of external beam radiation treatment for prostate cancer. It uses a computer-driven machine that moves around the patient and delivers the radiation treatment from several angles. Along with shaping the beams and aiming them at the prostate from each angle, the intensity (strength) of the beams can be adjusted to limit the doses reaching nearby normal tissues.  A variation of IMRT is called volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). It uses the same machine to deliver the radiation quickly as it rotates around the body. This allows each treatment to be given over just a few minutes.

Internal organ movements, breathing motion and contraction or relaxation of the pelvic muscles, along with the fact that prostate patients tend to move during their treatment, are all factors your radiation team should consider and monitor.

AlignRT^® can be used with both of these external beam radiation therapy approaches to help more accurately position you for treatment, as well as ensure your position does not change during beam delivery. With AlignRT^® you can be tracked in real time, and radiation can be stopped if you move out of position.