Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)
Tumors are not regular; they come in different shapes and sizes. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, or 3D-CRT, uses computers and special imaging techniques such as CT, MRI or PET scans to show the size, shape and location of the tumor as well as surrounding organs.
In 3D-CRT, the radiation treatment plan is specifically tailored to each patient’s anatomy. At the beginning of the planning process, the radiation therapists performs CT scan of the part of the body being treated. These images are loaded into a specialized computer and used to create the radiation treatment plan. The plan is designed to enable your radiation oncologist to precisely tailor and deliver a beam of radiation that conforms closely to the size, shape, and contours of the tumor. Because the radiation beams are very precisely directed, nearby normal tissue receives less radiation and is able to heal more quickly.
