Raffles Radiotherapy Centre

A CT scan is performed to generate a three-dimensional (3D) image of the tumour and surrounding organs. One or more radiation beams are then shaped and angled to treat the tumour while minimising irradiation of surrounding organs.

IMRT and VMAT are more advanced forms of 3D radiation therapy. These techniques use multiple radiation beams from different angles or arcs, with varying intensities to deliver the radiation dose with greater accuracy while reducing radiation to normal tissues.

Image guidance is the process of using imaging technology to improve treatment accuracy by comparing scans done during treatment with those done during simulation. It also helps to detect changes in the tumour or surrounding organs during treatment which may require a change in treatment plan.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is an advanced radiation therapy technique that is used to treat brain tumours with high precision.  A device is used to stabilise the head, and multiple focused radiation beams or arcs are aimed to converge on a small target in the brain.

SBRT is a technique that uses highly precise and focused radiation beams to treat tumours that are of a limited size in the body. Accurate patient immobilisation, cone beam image guidance and six-dimensional (6D) positional correction are used to account for tumour motion and anatomy changes during treatment.

This allows high doses of radiation to be safely delivered over a short period of time, which results in an increased probability of tumour control/cure. It is often used for the curative treatment of lung cancers and can also be used to control other tumours in the body such as in the liver, spine, bones and lymph nodes.

Breath-hold techniques require patients to hold their breath for a period of time during treatment. It can be used during treatment to reduce doses to normal organs and tissues. Minimising respiratory movement also improves accuracy during treatment.

PET-CT images can be obtained during simulation to help improve the accuracy of treatment planning.

A four-dimensional (4D) scan allows the visualisation of the extent of tumour motion during respiration. This allows us to account for tumour movement and anatomical changes during radiation therapy planning.

An MRI scan produces detailed images which can help the radiation oncologist outline the tumour and surrounding structures and organs with greater precision. This contributes to higher accuracy during treatment planning and delivery.