3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy

June E. Nylen Cancer Center offers the innovation of three-dimensional (3-D) conformal radiation therapy. Traditionally, the planning of radiation treatments has been done in two dimensions (width and height). Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3-D therapy) uses computer technology to allow doctors to more precisely target a tumor with radiation beams by using width, height, and depth. A 3-D image of a tumor is obtained using a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan.. Using information from the image, special computer programs design radiation beams that "conform" to the shape of the tumor. Because the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor is largely spared by this technique, higher doses of radiation can be used to treat the cancer without increased side effects. Improved outcomes with 3-D therapy have been reported for nasopharyngeal, prostate, lung, liver, and brain cancers.