Intensity modulated radiotherapy - Rapid Arc
What is it?
This technique allows to irradiate with absolute precision and with higher doses of radiation even target volumes of complex shape and/or located in close proximity to critical structures able to tolerate lower doses than those required for the control of neoplasia.
When is this procedure indicated?
IMRT can be used to treat the following malignancies: cerebral, cervical-cephalic, mammary, thoracic, pancreatic, male genito-urinary, gynecological, abdominopelvic, hemolymphopoietic system.
How is it performed?
Rapid Arc is a sophisticated computerized system connected to a linear accelerator that allows to perform in a few minutes an extremely precise and rapid radiotherapy, describing an arc around the patient in just 70 seconds. It allows for intensity-modulated treatments (IMRT) irradiating with extreme accuracy and precision even very small lesions located in deep areas. Application takes place in a very short time: about 2 minutes in all (two to eight times faster than conventional IMRT). In addition, the system is equipped with an integrated CT scan that allows to verify the position of the patient and internal organs before performing the treatment, thus realizing the so-called Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT). With this volumetric technique it is possible to increase the precision and accuracy, and therefore the effectiveness, of radiation treatment, limiting toxicity and side effects. For the elaboration of the treatment plan, it will be necessary to subject the patient preliminarily to a centering examination that according to the clinical indications can be: CT without mdc, CT with mdc, CT/PET, 4D CT/PET with respiratory gating, MRI with or without mdc).
Recovery
Short-term complications
The possible acute effects, generally of modest entity and duration, are related to the irradiated site and depend on the inflammation generated by the irradiation. Depending on the irradiated site, therapies to prevent these effects are prepared.
Long-term complications
Possible late effects, generally rare, are related to the irradiated site and are managed during follow-up visits.
Where do we treat it?
Our Departments
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