Like conventional radiation therapy, IMRT uses multiple doses of small increments of high-energy x-rays to target a tumor, and is also usually given on a daily Monday through Friday schedule over a period of 3 weeks to 1 month. Like SRS and SBRT, IMRT is another complex and precise method of delivering radiation therapy that relies on detailed imaging and computerized three-dimensional treatment planning to obtain the accuracy needed to minimize radiation side effects. Due to its precision, IMRT spares the surrounding normal tissue and is beneficial for tumors in the nasal cavity or regions where radiosensitive structures need to be avoided. The radiation oncologist determines if IMRT would be more beneficial than conventional radiation therapy or stereotactic radiation therapy.
