Over 200,000 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Many of these cases will be detected early and have an excellent chance of being cured with surgery or radiation. A newer method of delivering radiation with a machine called a linear accelerator is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT for short). This is a very precise way of delivering the radiation so that the dosage pattern is made to "conform" to the shape of the prostate. This has the advantage of better sparing the adjacent bladder and rectum to reduce the potential for radiation related side effects.

IMRT is a sophisticated technology that requires a team approach. The team includes radiation therapists, medical physicists, a dosimetrist and the Radiation Oncology physician.

Thomas G, Simko, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.