Image-Guided Radiotherapy RapidArc

Image-Guided Radiotherapy (RapidArc) uses frequent imaging during radiation therapy to improve the precision and accuracy of the treatment delivery to a tumor. RapidArc is a recent advancement in IGRT technology and allows for substantially shorter treatment times than other methods of external beam radiation therapy. UAB was the first site in the United States to treat with RapidArc. During the treatment, the system can take multi-dimensional images, or orthogonal images, and, appropriately adjusts the patient's position to make sure of accurate and adequate treatment of the tumor that spares the surrounding healthy tissue. This newer technology has distinct advantages when compared to other forms of treatment. RapidArc treatment plans can be delivered in two to five minutes compared to other IMRT treatments that deliver one field at a time and can take up to 10 to 15 minutes. The therapy can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers, including breast cancer, gynecological cancer, prostate cancer, brain cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancers, and abdominal cancers.

Why UAB

UAB Radiation Oncology offers a wide range of advanced treatment techniques in radiation therapy including triggered imaging radiosurgery, Gamma Knife surgery, medical dosimetry, Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy, External Beam Radiation Therapy, Image-Guided Radiotherapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, radioisotope therapy, Stereotactic body radiation therapy, Total Body Irradiation, and Total Skin Irradiation.

In keeping with our position as a leading academic medical center, UAB’s research is at the forefront of medicine, providing our patients with the latest and most innovative medical treatment and technology. Our physicians utilize state-of-the-art technology that can precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

UAB physicians, nurses, and clinical staff create and encourage a supportive and caring environment for patients. They understand what it is like to be on the patient side of the table and consider that in every stage of care. They encourage patients to take an active and informed role in their health and treatment, while tailoring care plans and guidance to each patient’s individual needs.

We recognize that delivering the best clinical outcomes is our primary goal, but we also understand that how we deliver those outcomes determines the overall quality of your interaction with us. When we work in the laboratory, we realize that that our families and future generations are counting on us to develop novel clinical solutions to today’s health problems. When we teach tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, we are shaping tomorrow’s leaders in clinical care and research. When we treat today’s patients, we are aiding the great leaders of tomorrow.

UAB Radiation Oncology clinicians are at the forefront of modern medicine. Their work with the greatest medical minds of today, along with their training of the physicians and researchers of tomorrow, leaves them well-versed in the latest clinical practices and in the creation of promising treatment options for tomorrow.

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Sonya Sutton faced cancer head on with the help of UAB Medicine.

Welcome to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

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PHYSICIANS

Markus Bredel, MD, PhD

Omer L. Burnett, MD

Michael C. Dobelbower, MD, PhD

John B. Fiveash, MD

Rojymon Jacob, MD

Kimberly S. Keene, MD

Robert Kim, MD

Ruby F. Meredith, MD, PhD

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

Christopher D. Willey, MD, PhD

Eddy Yang, MD

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Image-Guided Radiotherapy RapidArc. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials