3D-CRT is shorthand
for 3-dimensional
conformal radiation therapy and is an advanced type
of electron beam radiation therapy which is used as
a prostate cancer treatment. Radiation therapy works
by aiming an external beam of radiation at the prostate
gland while trying to minimize the exposure of healthy
tissue in the surrounding organs. 3D-CRT immobilizes
the patient in a bed of styrofoam that is customized
for his body. A computer generates a precise image of
his internal organs. The radiation oncologist then aims
waves of photons generated by a linear accelerator at
the image to irradiate the malignant area. The waves
are formed exactly to the shape of the treated to be
treated so the surrounding healthy tissue is spared
being damaged by radiation. Patients undergoing external
radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer
will receive 5 treatments each week from Monday to Friday
for 5 to 9 weeks. Patients do not undergo treatment
on the weekends. Taking two days off will give the healthy
organs which will suffer some inadvertent radiation
damage time to recover.
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