English
3D CRT in Dhakuria

3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D CRT)

3D Conformal Radiotherapy in Dhakuria

3D Conformal Radiotherapy is an advanced form of Radiation Therapy that minimises radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues while accurately targeting tumours.

The first step in the procedure is thorough imaging, which involves creating three-dimensional images of the tumour and the surrounding anatomy using high-resolution scans like CT or MRI. Our medical physicists and radiation oncologists can more precisely determine the location, size, and form of the tumour with the use of these images. With this data, a personalised treatment plan is created to ensure that the radiation reaches the malignant cells exactly by shaping the radiation beams to fit the 3D contours of the tumour.

Utilising a linear accelerator outfitted with cutting-edge technology, the treatment precisely shapes the radiation beams to target the exact shape of the tumour. By protecting neighbouring healthy tissues, this accuracy not only increases the therapy's efficacy but also helps lower the possibility of adverse effects. Patients are closely monitored during the course of treatment to evaluate their response and manage any adverse effects. The treatment plan is adjusted as needed to maximise outcomes and guarantee patient safety.

FAQ's

A cutting-edge method of Radiation Therapy for the treatment of cancer is called 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D CRT). It entails carefully directing radiation beams towards the tumour while reducing exposure to the organs and healthy tissues nearby. This is accomplished by arranging the radiation beams in three dimensions to correspond with the tumour's dimensions.

3D CRT uses imaging technologies like CT scans to create detailed three-dimensional images of the tumour and surrounding structures. Radiation oncologists use these images to precisely plan the delivery of radiation beams. Sophisticated computer software is employed to calculate the optimal angles and shapes of the radiation beams to target the tumour while avoiding nearby critical structures. During treatment, the patient lies on a treatment table, and the radiation beams are precisely directed at the tumour from various angles.

Compared to conventional Radiation Therapy methods, 3D CRT has the following benefits:

  • Enhanced Precision: 3D CRT minimises harm to surrounding healthy tissues while delivering greater radiation doses to the tumour by precisely forming the radiation beams to fit the shape of the tumour.

  • Decreased Side Effects: Compared to standard Radiation Therapy, which may unintentionally expose surrounding organs to radiation, 3D CRT can reduce adverse effects by better targeting the tumour.

  • Enhanced Management of Tumours: Better patient outcomes and higher tumour control rates can result from 3D CRT's precision radiation delivery.

  • Improved Quality of Life: 3D CRT can help maintain organ function and general quality of life both during and after treatment by reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues.

3D CRT is a treatment option for a number of cancer types, including but not exclusive to:

  • Cancer of the prostate
  • Cancer of the lung
  • Breast cancer
  • Brain tumours
  • Malignancies of the head and neck
  • Malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Obstetrical malignancies
  • Sarcomas

Prior to initiating 3D CRT treatment, the patient goes through a number of baseline procedures:

  • Simulation: To precisely map the size, form, and position of the tumour and associated structures, the patient is put through a CT scan or other imaging treatments.

  • Planning a Treatment: Based on the imaging data, radiation oncologists create a personalised treatment plan using specialised computer software. This entails figuring out the best radiation beam shapes and angles to target the tumour and spare surrounding healthy tissues.

  • Patient Instruction: Patients are given comprehensive information regarding the course of therapy, any adverse effects, and how to deal with them. They also discover how crucial it is to remain still throughout therapy sessions in order to guarantee precise radiation administration.

Typically, during 3D CRT therapy sessions, patients:

  • Lie on a Treatment Table: During the simulation procedure, patients are asked to lie comfortably in a specified posture on a treatment table.

  • Become Immobilised: Immobilisation tools, including moulds or hoover bags, can assist patients in staying in the same posture for the duration of each treatment session, guaranteeing accurate administration of radiation.

  • Take in Radiation Beams: Radiation therapists set the radiation equipment with precision so that it may target the tumour from different directions and give the required amount of radiation. To provide radiation beams from various angles, the treatment apparatus may revolve around the patient.

The location of the tumour, its type and stage, and the recommended radiation dosage are some of the variables that affect how long 3D CRT therapy takes. A course of 3D CRT treatment normally lasts several weeks, with each daily session lasting a few minutes. In close collaboration with patients, radiation oncologists customise treatment plans to maximise efficiency and tolerance.

Certain individuals may have adverse effects, which might vary depending on the location and intensity of therapy, even though 3D CRT is intended to minimise side effects by preserving healthy tissues. Typical 3D CRT side effects might be:

  • Tiredness

  • Redness or irritability of the skin at the treatment location

  • Loss of hair (in the treated region)

  • Swallowing difficulties (if the head and neck area are being treated)

  • Modifications in bowel habits (in the event that the abdomen or pelvis is being treated)

  • In order to help manage symptoms, patients should address any worries or side effects with their radiation oncology team. Supportive care treatments may be provided.

Several studies have shown that 3D CRT is a successful treatment for a variety of cancer types. High rates of tumour control and better patient outcomes can result from 3D CRT's precision targeting of tumours while preserving healthy tissues. However, a number of variables, including the kind and stage of the disease, general health, and each patient's reaction to therapy, might affect how successful 3D CRT is. Throughout therapy, radiation oncologists keep a close eye on their patients to gauge their reactions and make any required modifications to the treatment plan.

Although 3D CRT is a sophisticated and popular Radiation Therapy technology, there are alternative Radiation Therapy modalities that may be utilised, such as:

  • Radiation treatment with intensity modulation (IMRT)

  • Radiation treatment guided by images (IGRT)

  • Treatment with stereotactic body radiation (SBRT)

  • Proton treatment