Ultra-modern IMRT-technique for irradiation of head and spinal cord

By Geert Janssens on 30 October 2009

Annually, approximately 25 children with brain tumors are irradiated on the head and spinal cord (craniospinal axis) in the Netherlands. Particularly young children are affected. They are especially prone to developing acute and more importantly late side-effects of irradiation.

From early 2009 on, we have started applying an existing ultra-modern radiation technique, IMRT, to the craniospinal target volume. With this technique, we can optimally irradiate the target volume while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Furthermore, the larynx, esophagus and stomach receive a significantly lower radiation dose. This drastically reduces the common complaints of sore throat, hoarseness and nausea.

On the long-term, we hope to prevent the chance of possible problems with the heart and thyroid gland using this technique, as the radiation dose to these healthy tissues is tremendously reduced.

With this, we are one of the few centers worldwide and the first center within the Netherlands applying this treatment on the linear accelerator.

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