Qld cancer patients get new radiation treatment option

An advanced form of radiation therapy is now available through the public health system in Queensland.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) eliminates many of the side effects associated with traditional radiation treatment and is improving the quality of life of many cancer patients.

Tim Olsen, 15, from Gladstone in central Queensland had a melanoma removed from the inside of his eye about six months ago.

When the cancer spread to his neck, doctors recommended IMRT which specifically targets tumours, reducing the damage to healthy tissue.

Radiation Therapy Services director Simon McQuitty says the technology more effectively targets cancer treatment.

read more at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/07/2619148.htm