For years, oncologists have faced a frustrating challenge when treating cancer. They have known that if a high dose of radiation could be delivered directly to the tumor site, they would have a good chance of destroying the tumor and possibly curing the patient. Such a high dose of radiation, however, may pose a substantial risk to the surrounding healthy tissue and organs.

At Western Baptist Hospital, a new therapy is providing hope in meeting that challenge. It’s called intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT. According to Dr. Peter Locken, radiation oncologist at Western Baptist Hospital, IMRT is a noninvasive procedure that allows for pinpoint delivery of radiation therapy, resulting in better tumor control with less toxicity.

“IMRT improves a physician’s ability to focus the target beam on selected tumors rather than the surrounding tissue,” explains Dr. Locken. “Better control results in less damage to the healthy tissues and organs surrounding the tumor, which in turn increases a patient’s chance of a better quality of life.”

Dr. Locken says that the cancer care team at Western Baptist works together to determine the best way of delivering the radiation to each patient. Once the patient is in position, a treatment typically takes about five to ten minutes.

“IMRT is a tremendous advancement in the field on radiation oncology,” says Dr. Locken. “During a trying time for patients and their families, it’s comforting to know that advanced technology is available so close to home.”