Precision Radiation. Powerful Results: IMRT
— Precision in Every Beam.
Advancements in Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy has long been a critical tool in cancer treatment, and recent advancements have significantly improved its precision and effectiveness. Two cutting-edge technologies—Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)—are revolutionizing the field by offering more targeted and efficient treatment options for patients.
What is IMRT?
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a type of cancer treatment that uses advanced computer programs to calculate and deliver radiation directly to cancer cells from different angles.
Conventional radiation therapy systems used to deliver uniform radiation doses to both tumors and surrounding healthy tissues.
In contrast, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a highly personalized form of treatment that tailors radiation precisely to the shape and size of the tumor.
For patients, minimizing radiation-related side effects and preserving immune function is critical. Even in palliative case, high-precision radiation therapy like IMRT is recommended.
Supporting You Through the IMRT Treatment.
Starting radiation therapy often brings many questions:
“Will it hurt?” “How will it affect my daily life?” “What side effects should I expect?”
At CUREVEL, we are not just here to arrange treatment, but to be by your side as you go through it.
If you’re looking for care that respects both your medical needs and your peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Our experienced nurses are here to support you with both medical knowledge and emotional care.
Let’s take the next step together.
Why Choose Japan for IMRT?
Japan has become a leading destination for patients seeking advanced cancer care, especially for those considering IMRT.
Japan is internationally recognized for its exceptional standards in healthcare, especially in the field of advanced cancer treatment. Among the many options available, IMRT stands out as a highly effective and minimally invasive approach.
In countries like the U.S. or UK, patients may wait several weeks just to begin radiation treatment. In contrast, Japan offers streamlined scheduling, especially when using concierge services like CUREVEL.
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How much does the treatment cost?Treatment is provided on a self-pay basis (not covered by public insurance). The total cost depends on the patient’s condition, so please contact us for details.
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Can elderly patients undergo this treatment?While the treatment itself may require only one session, preparation for the treatment takes about 3 hours, preparation on the day of the treatment takes about 2 hours, and the treatment lasts for 1 hour. Patients must maintain the same position during the treatment, but the preparation periods require changes in posture, such as standing up and sitting down, which demands a certain level of physical fitness. The treatment preparation can be challenging for individuals who have difficulty climbing stairs. Generally, those who are bedridden or constantly require a wheelchair are not suitable candidates for this treatment.
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Can I explore Japan during the day and receive treatment in the evening?Yes. Among the hospitals we partner with, some offer evening radiation therapy sessions, with treatment available until around 10 PM. This allows patients to enjoy sightseeing or other daytime activities before receiving care in the evening.
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Is it possible to have a consultation just to get information?Yes, consultations are available. Please prepare the following documents with the help of your primary care physician: -Referral letter or medical information summary -Treatment data, including: -Medical images (CT, MRI, PET, etc.) -Blood test results -Pathology reports -Records of any previous radiation treatments (treatment plans, dose summaries, etc.)
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How is BNCT administered?There are several types of boron, but the type used in BNCT is called 'boron-10'. Boron-10 has a propensity to react with very low-energy neutrons, known as 'thermal neutrons'. Initially, a special solution containing boron-10 (10B) is administered to the patient through an IV drip, causing the boron-10 to accumulate in cancer cells. Subsequently, the affected area is irradiated with neutron beams from outside the body. These neutron beams have very low energy, and thus minimal impact on the human body. However, when these neutrons collide with boron-10, a nuclear reaction occurs, producing radiation (alpha particles and lithium-7 nuclei). These two particles travel only a very short distance—about the size of a single cell—which allows the energy to be concentrated inside the cancer cells and that is why selectively destroys them Thermal neutrons can only travel a limited distance, which means BNCT might not be suitable for tumors located deep inside the body. Even so, the ability to target cancer cells at the cellular level represents a new and promising approach that was not possible with traditional radiation treatments.
