Advance Radiotherapy Techniques – IMRT Vs VMAT
- 25 Oct 2023
- #Advance Radiotherapy Techniques
- #IMRT Vs VMAT
Nearly 50% of cancer patients undergo radiation therapy during their treatment journey. But what if we told you that the choice between VMAT and IMRT could mean the difference between life-saving precision and soaring medical bills? Which path would you choose for your cancer treatment? This blog will talk about VMAT and IMRT, comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and cost considerations in the context of India.
IMRT, like VMAT, is a highly advanced radiation therapy technique that customises the intensity and shape of the radiation beam to the tumour's exact specifications.
IMRT radiotherapy in cancer treatment uses a computer-controlled system to divide the radiation beam into multiple smaller beams of varying intensity. By adjusting the intensity of each beam and their angles, IMRT can deliver highly conformal radiation doses to the tumour, sculpting the radiation precisely to its shape.
VMAT is a cutting-edge radiation therapy technique that combines elements of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with the efficient delivery of radiation in a continuous arc. It is designed to precisely target cancerous cells while minimising exposure to healthy tissue.
VMAT employs a linear accelerator (LINAC) that rotates around the patient, delivering radiation from multiple angles simultaneously. The machine modulates the intensity of the radiation beam and adjusts the speed and shape of the rotation to conform to the tumour's shape. This dynamic approach ensures that the tumour receives a high dose of radiation while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
IMRT also boasts several advantages over VMAT, making it the preferred choice in certain situations:
In India, cost considerations play a significant role in healthcare decisions. When it comes to radiation therapy, cost factors include equipment expenses, treatment duration, and the availability of advanced technologies.
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VMAT and IMRT represent significant advancements in radiation therapy, offering precision and conformity that were previously unimaginable. While both techniques have their unique advantages and disadvantages, the choice between VMAT and IMRT should be tailored to individual patient needs, tumour characteristics, and cost considerations.
In a country like India, where healthcare affordability is a major concern, it's crucial for patients to have open and collaborative communication with their healthcare providers. The ultimate objective of any radiation therapy should always be to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient, while also minimizing potential side effects and preserving their overall quality of life.
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