What is Image-Guided Radiation Therapy?
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is an advanced form of radiation treatment that uses high-resolution, real-time imaging before and during each session to precisely locate your tumor. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, IGRT continuously monitors your tumor’s position — adjusting delivery so radiation hits exactly the right spot, every single time. Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) uses high-resolution, 3-dimensional images to pinpoint tumor sites, adjust patient positioning for maximum accuracy and deliver IGRT radiation therapy. These capabilities take IMRT and Stereotactic IMRT technologies one step further with advanced imaging for greater precision and efficiency.
How IGRT Works?
Like IMRT, IGRT imparts a high dose of radiation to a localized tumor from multiple angles rather than a single beam. Thousands of very fine radiation beams of varying intensity surround the cancer cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. There are no radioactive substances used. IGRT applies a smaller dose of radiation to normal tissues and the result is that side effects are decreased, and the probability of eradicating the tumor is improved. State-of-the-art motion management techniques allow patients to breathe naturally during treatment sessions, increasing treatment accuracy, reducing stress and increasing patient comfort. IGRT radiation for prostate cancer, as well as for cancers of the lung, brain, breast, oral cavity, tongue and larynx, is highly customized for each patient. Treatment can take from five to 15 minutes, five days a week for six or seven weeks. Generally, a patient’s daily activity is not altered other than the need for daily therapy.
Pre-Treatment Imaging
Before each session, high-resolution CT or X-ray images are captured to locate the exact position of the tumor.
Position Verification
Live images are compared against the original treatment plan. If the tumor has shifted, positioning is adjusted before radiation begins.
Targeted Radiation Delivery
Radiation is delivered from multiple angles in precise, fine beams that converge on the tumor — sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Real-Time Monitoring
Motion management systems continuously track the tumor during delivery, adjusting for natural body movement such as breathing.
Key Benefits of IGRT
IGRT's imaging-guided precision offers meaningful advantages over conventional radiation therapy for both treatment effectiveness and quality of life.
Sub-Millimeter Precision
Real-time imaging ensures radiation is delivered to the exact tumor location every session, even as the body shifts naturally between visits.
Protects Healthy Tissue
By targeting only the tumor, IGRT significantly reduces radiation exposure to surrounding organs, nerves, and healthy cells.
Fewer Side Effects
Less radiation to healthy tissue means reduced fatigue, nausea, and damage to adjacent organs, improving your daily quality of life.
Higher Tumor Doses Possible
Because healthy tissue is protected, oncologists can safely deliver higher, more effective radiation doses directly to the tumor.
Breathe Naturally
State-of-the-art motion management allows patients to breathe normally throughout treatment, reducing stress and increasing comfort.
No Lifestyle Disruption
Each session takes only 5–15 minutes. Most patients continue normal daily activities throughout their course of treatment.
Technology Used in IGRT
ROCVC uses the latest imaging and delivery systems to ensure every session is accurate, safe, and efficient. Their advanced software uses AI algorithms to generate the most precise radiation plan - optimizing dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to organs at risk
kV / MV X-Ray Imaging
Kilovoltage and megavoltage X-ray imaging systems provide rapid 2D verification of patient positioning before each radiation fraction.
Real-Time Motion Tracking
Infrared and optical surface-tracking systems continuously monitor body movement, automatically gating or pausing radiation if the patient moves.
Multi-Leaf Collimator (MLC)
Hundreds of tiny motorized leaves shape the radiation beam to precisely match the tumor's 3D outline, delivering radiation from multiple angles.
IMRT + IGRT Combined
IGRT integrates seamlessly with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), taking IMRT's precision a step further with real-time imaging verification.
Cancers Treated with IGRT
Like IMRT, advanced digital imaging scans are completed in advance to determine the extent of disease and localize the target tumor. The scans are assessed and integrated into a treatment-planning computer for each individual patient. With image-controlled simulation, the IGRT treatment targeting process is more accurate and efficient. Knowing exactly where the tumor is allows us to reduce the volume of tissue treated, targeting only the tumor and sparing the surrounding normal tissue. Irradiating less normal tissue reduces the side effects, which improves quality of life. In some cases, improved targeting may make it possible to deliver higher radiation doses to the tumor and thereby increase the likelihood of local tumor control.
Primary Cancers
- Lung Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Liver / HCC
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Spine Tumors
Secondary / Metastatic
- Brain Metastases
- Liver Metastases
- Lung Metastases
- Adrenal Metastases
- Lymph Node Metastases
- Bone Metastases
Other Indications
- Recurrent Cancers
- Inoperable Tumors
- Oligometastatic Disease
- Post-Surgery Recurrence
- Arteriovenous Malformations
- Trigeminal Neuralgia (SRS)
Why Choose ROCVC?
At Radiation Oncology Centers of Ventura County, patients receive more than advanced technology — they receive dedicated, compassionate care from a team of board-certified specialists with decades of experience. Every case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board, treatment is tailored to the individual, and our centers are equipped with the latest IGRT systems to ensure the most accurate outcomes possible. We accept most major insurance plans and offer cashless billing support.
Schedule a Consultation Today - To talk with one of our Radiation Oncologists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from patients considering IGRT treatment at ROCVC.
How does IGRT improve treatment accuracy?
IGRT improves accuracy by using real-time imaging to locate the tumor and verify positioning before each session. At ROCVC, this approach ensures radiation is delivered exactly as planned, while reducing exposure to nearby healthy tissue.
Do you offer IGRT in Ventura County?
Yes. Radiation Oncology Centers of Ventura County offers IGRT at both our Oxnard and Camarillo locations. Cancer treatment is delivered using advanced imaging technology and personalized planning for accurate and consistent radiation therapy.
Is IGRT painful? What does a session feel like?
IGRT is completely painless. You lie comfortably on a treatment table while the machine rotates around you. The actual radiation delivery takes only 5–15 minutes per session and you remain awake throughout. Most patients tolerate it very well.
How is IGRT used for prostate cancer?
For prostate cancer, IGRT uses imaging before each session to account for daily shifts in prostate position caused by bladder and rectal filling. This helps ensure radiation targets the prostate precisely, reducing dose to the bladder and rectum.
How many sessions of IGRT will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your cancer type, stage, and treatment plan. Some conditions are treated in 1–5 sessions (stereotactic), while others may require daily treatment over 5–7 weeks. Your oncologist will explain the recommended course at your consultation.
Does insurance cover IGRT at ROCVC?
ROCVC accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare. Our billing team will verify your coverage before treatment begins and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. Please contact us directly for specific insurance enquiries.
