IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) for Breast Cancer

Hello, I am a radiation oncologist. When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or some combination of these. Breast radiation is standardly given with two fields, one from the front and one from the back. Some women's breast, however, can be better treated with a technique called IMRT, or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.

IMRT allows us to deliver just the right amount of dose to the breast. It also allows us to decrease the radiation dose to other organs, and to decrease unwanted side affects. In fact, IMRT is so precise that we may ask you to hold your breath during radiation planning and treatment. This is called Respiratory Gating. We do this to ensure that the dose is delivered accurately. Breast IMRT and Respiratory Gating are available at the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

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