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Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a type of three-dimensional radiation therapy which improves the targeting of radiation therapy treatments in a way that is likely to decrease damage to normal tissues.


IMRT uses computer-generated images to match a radiation dose to the size and shape of a patient's tumor. The radiation is broken up into thousands of tiny pencil-thin radiation beams that enter the body from many angles. The beams intersect the cancer by turning corners and making concave shapes to get into it, while avoiding most of the healthy tissue surrounding the cancer.

IMRT is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients receive approximately 6 weeks of treatment with IMRT.

Who benefits from IMRT?

IMRT is helpful for patients who need high-dose radiation therapy in areas where there are important normal tissues near the tumor. All types of cancer may benefit from IMRT.