Radiation Oncology

Services & Technology

3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy

We offer three-dimensional (3D) conformal treatment planning and delivery for a wide variety of tumors, including those of the breast, prostate, brain, lung, esophagus and pancreas. "Three dimensional" means the treatment is based on a CT scan of the region to be treated, so we can use computer software to determine how the patient will appear from any desired direction. This lets us choose optimal approaches for the radiation beams. "Conformal" means that the beams are custom shaped to maximize the treatment of the disease while minimizing the radiation given to healthy tissues. A sophisticated device called a multileaf collimator is used to block radiation from entering areas that need protection.

To assist with 3D conformal therapy, we also utilize Image Fusion (pictured below). This allows for the simultaneous use of several medical imaging modalities in the targeting and planning of radiotherapy. CT and MRI 3D image data sets are “fused” to provide the imaging benefits of both technologies into a single indexed 3D data set. At BMC, we routinely make use of this technology to better define and understand the disease site. In addition, we are able to fuse correlated PET scans and map areas of metabolic activity otherwise invisible to medical imaging. The result is a finely tuned image set that allows us to plan the most precise and effective treatment possible.