Multi-leaf collimators located in the head of the linear accelerator "sculpt" the beams of radiation in order to deliver an accurate and optimized dose to the prostate, but avoiding nearby healthy tissue.

More patients with prostate cancer have been treated with IG-IMRT at Dattoli Cancer Center than any other center in the world by fourfold. Moreover, DCC boasts having the most sophisticated technologies associated with IG-IMRT, providing every patient with a cutting edge experience.

IG-IMRT is also referred to as "Smart Beam" technology because of its extraordinary ability to cast thousands of precisely targeted radiation "beamlets" or "micro-beams,"on a 360-degree radius, not only into the prostate, plus a carefully delineated margin, but also in escalating doses directly into the tumor(s). A unique treatment blueprint is mapped out in advance for each patient. With computer planning and three-dimensional imaging techniques, it is possible to more accurately deliver radiation to satisfy pre-defined dose specifications to the tumor while avoiding nearly healthy tissue. Thus, the risk of damaging the bowel, bladder, rectum and other organs is significantly reduced. At the same time, the cancer-killing dose of radiation is maximized on the designated target.

Meanwhile, strict immobilization is required using an individualized alpha cradle and a SonArray 4D Ultrasound Guided System is utilized moments before each treatment to ensure that the organs are exactly positioned for the IG-IMRT "beamlets."- Even the simple motion of breathing can shift the position of the prostate, which is tracked and corrected by a special respiratory gating device. These and other tools allow us to take the 4th dimension of motion into account, ensuring that the right dose is delivered at exactly the right time. Daily localization of the target is essential to optimize therapeutic effects since both patient and organ movement may occur (for example, during treatment, air may enter the rectum pushing the prostate forward or fluid may enter the bladder pushing the prostate down). It should be noted than all the techniques that we use are non-invasive. These routines are implemented with comprehensive checklists that are crucial to ensure accurate targeting on a daily basis.

The actual delivery of the radiation is a dynamic process and is accomplished through the use of multi-leaf collimators. These devices essentially allow us to "sculpt" the micro-beamlets in order to deliver the precise dose required.

The Dattoli Cancer Center is the first freestanding clinic in the world to combine "Smart Beam" technology with brachytherapy to create a revolutionary new treatment protocol.