3D-Conformal Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a method of destroying the cancer cells without
removing the gland. At the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Hospital there are a number of ways of delivering the radiation:
In the last 10-15 years, new technology in radiation therapy has improved
targeting accuracy, allowing higher, more effective doses to be delivered
in the prostate while keeping side effects and complications to a minimum.
At Thomas Jefferson University we have developed one of the most sophisticated
three-dimensional (3D) conformal external beam radiation programs in the
United States. Utilizing computer-assisted tomography (CAT) scans performed
in our department we are able to integrate this information and develop
three-dimensional reconstructions of a patients anatomy. This allows us
to better visualize the cancer and surrounding normal tissue in three-dimensions
which was not feasible before the development of this technology. With this
comprehensive ability to identify in three-dimensions the "target"
and surrounding normal tissues, we can customize the radiation beams for
each patient and more precisely aim the radiation beams while avoiding the
surrounding normal tissues as much as possible.
A series of daily treatments are administered with a machine called a
linear accelerator filled with a multi-leaf collimator. Treatments are given
in brief daily sessions for a period of seven to eight weeks. This device
delivers multiple converging beams of high-energy radiation to the prostate
and surrounding tissues. The radiation energy causes the death of the cancer
cells.
3D Conformal Slides
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Composite picture oa a treatment plan for 3-D conformal radiation therapy.
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Arrangement of the 6 radiation portals (beams) enlarged for detail.
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Beams-eye view of the radiation portal for the 6 fields.
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Beams-eye view of the radiation portal for the 6 fields as superinposed
on the digital reconstucted radiograph.
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Beams-eye view projection as superimposed on the digital reconstructed
radiograph for the right lateral.
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Beams-eye view projection as superimposed on the digital reconstructed
radiograph for the right posterior oblique field.
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Back to Radiation Therapy |
Radioactive
Seed
Implants |
3D-CRT+
Implant Boost |
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