Radiation Therapy at New York Oncology Hematology

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that precisely targets tumor cells using CT (computed technology) or other imaging techniques. It creates detailed 3D maps to deliver focused radiation beams of varying intensity, maximizing the dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is an advanced, non-surgical procedure that delivers highly targeted radiation at much higher doses than traditional radiation therapy, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. SRS is particularly effective for treating inoperable tumors, especially those in the brain that cannot be addressed with conventional surgery.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is an advanced radiation technique for treating small to medium-sized tumors, both malignant and benign, in areas like the lung, liver, abdomen, spine, prostate, head, and neck. With detailed imaging and computerized 3D treatment planning, SBRT delivers radiation with extreme precision, minimizing impact on nearby organs.

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is an advanced treatment that combines imaging and radiation delivery in a single machine. Since tumors can shift, IGRT allows radiation oncologists to track the tumor in real-time and make precise adjustments to the patient's position. This ensures that radiation is focused only on the tumor, sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The increased precision allows for higher radiation doses, improving the chances of controlling or eliminating the cancer.

Three-dimensional (3-D) conformal radiation therapy uses advanced technology to precisely target tumors by shaping radiation beams to match the tumor's exact dimensions. A customized immobilization device ensures consistent patient positioning during planning and treatment. This precision minimizes damage to nearby healthy tissue and organs. 3-D conformal radiation therapy is used to treat various cancers, including those of the prostate, head and neck, lung, and gastrointestinal tract.

AlignRT® and Identify surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) helps ensure precise patient positioning before and during treatment. This technology uses three cameras to monitor thousands of points on a patient’s skin, automatically pausing radiation if the patient moves out of position. AlignRT® and Identify is valuable for many radiation treatments but is particularly essential for specific procedures. For instance, in Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH), used for left breast radiation, the patient takes a deep breath to move the heart away from the breast, reducing radiation exposure to the heart.

High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is an internal radiation treatment that delivers precise radiation directly to cancerous tumors using catheters, flexible needles, or applicators inserted into a body cavity or tissue. This computer-controlled system optimizes dose distribution to the target. HDR brachytherapy is commonly used for cervical and uterine cancers, certain lung cancers causing bronchial obstructions, and obstructing esophageal cancers. It has also shown effectiveness in treating early-stage prostate cancer.