3D CRT radiation therapy or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy focuses on delivering distributed treatment doses on tumours conformally. It helps reduce exposure of radiation to the surrounding healthy structures.
Here, specialists utilize patient-centric 3D images for planning the therapy course, first using MRI/CT images to determine areas with mass/ cancer cell accumulation. Then, doctors plan radiation dose distribution with concentrated high doses at particular tumor areas.
All tumor cells do not have the same shape, making their removal difficult without compromising the region’s healthy organs and tissues. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or 3D CRT targets high concentration zones using special computer techniques and ultrasound images.
3D tumor models, including the areas surrounding it, help doctors determine the shape and size of the tumor. After that, they aim for specially-shaped radiation beams on the cancerous region from different sides to eradicate cancer without harming surrounding tissues.
IMRT was used in a step-and-shoot format that was later adapted into a sliding window methodology. 3D CRT, on the other hand, is more targeted. Specialists can utilize MLC (Multileaf Collimator) common for IMRT in the context of 3D conformal radiotherapy. First, it involved creating field shapes with manually-created blocks based using MRI/CT imaging techniques.
Developing IMRT plans uses mainly computer-centric boundary conditions, focusing on minimum/maximum doses for sensitive structures and treatment volumes. IMRT is more static, while you can adjust radiation beams and their intensity using customized lead blocks in 3D CRT.
In terms of 3D CRT advantages and disadvantages, the main benefit is that the solutions disintegrate tumors using specially shaped beams. It allows the radiation beams not to harm healthy organs around the area. It helps treat tumors with irregular shapes and allows better visibility and treatment planning for oncologists. They can deliver the high-concentration radiation beams more precisely and ensure fewer 3D CRT side effects.
The main differences between IMRT (intensity-modulated radiotherapy) and 3D CRT radiotherapy revolve around dosage homogeneity, target coverage, and the amount of toxicity exposure to surrounding healthy organs.
IMRT provides a high amount of radiation dosage compared to 3D CRT. A comparative study report concluded that it allows for less heart and lung-centric healthy tissue eradication. 3D CRT allows more versatile movement of the radiation application at the targeted region.
Yashoda Hospitals is one of the premier hospitals for different types of treatments and patient care for cancer and other physical ailments. The radiotherapy experts available at these hospitals have rich training in 3D CRT techniques.
Also, they utilize top-range equipment and state-of-the-art imaging processes and tools for accurate prognosis and treatment. The professionals at Yashoda Hospitals have handled various cancer cases with a high success and remission rate.