Specialization
Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT):
IMRT permits changing the intensity of the radiation dose as well in addition to conforming to the tumor shape. Used especially in irregularly shaped tumors, tumors very close to critical structures, tumors requiring higher radiation dose. The advantage of IMRT lies in the fact that it can deliver a higher dose able to destroy tumor cells and spare normal tissue simultaneously.
Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT):
Here an online image of the part receiving radiation is taken before treatment and matched with the planning CT Scan image taken prior to radiotherapy. This ensures that there is minimum shift during the treatment tenure.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT):
A very sophisticated technique to treat very small tumors (benign and malignant) within the brain close to critical structures to a very high dose. Precision and accuracy is extremely important in such treatment techniques.
Brachytherapy:
A radioactive source is placed via applicators within or very close to the tumour/tumor bed and radiated. The applicators are removed at the end of radiation. Advantage lies in ability to deliver a very high dose and still spare the surrounding structures. Mostly used in gynecological cancers though tumors at other sites may also be treated with brachytherapy.