What is Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)
What is Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)
• Refers to CT -based radiation planning.
• The tumor and critical avoidance structures, such as the brain stem or parotid glands, are contoured on axial C images.
• Radiation therapy is planned, usually with 2 to 6 beams, with the goals of treating the tumor and avoiding critical structures.
• If a critical structure is adjacent to the tumor, it may be impossible to deliver the desired dose to the tumor without overdosing the critical structure. In this situation, either tumor underdosing or acceptance of the risk of treating to full dose is required.
The use of three-dimensional images in the treatment planning process distinguishes 3D CRT from various other forms of conventional radiation therapy. Utilizing this in-depth information, a patient’s treatment team can develop a highly refined strategy to deliver a concentrated radiation dosage to a tumor.
Method of Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)
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