3D Conformal Radiation Therapy

The goal of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy is to surround the target with the prescribed radiation. In the past, radiation therapy plans were reviewed in a two-dimensional plane. The radiation dose above and below the plane was assumed adequate, but could not account for changes in the shape or contour of an organ or tumor.

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy accounts for the size, shape and mass of the tissues. A 3-D visualization allows the radiation oncologist to choose various radiation therapy beam arrangements to hit the tumor while minimizing the exposure to healthy tissue. Patient positioning is critical, so immobilization devices are routinely used.