UVM Medical Center Main Campus

Radiation Oncology - Main Campus

 (802) 847-7413

111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Garden Pavilion, Level 2
Burlington, VT 05401-1473

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Radiation Oncology Department at the University of Vermont Cancer Center uses intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a specialized form of 3D-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), to strengthen and aim specially-shaped radiation beams at your tumor.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) at the UVM Cancer Center

Our Garden Pavilion houses all radiation oncology services in one convenient location. Here, our specialists provide a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. At the UVM Cancer Center you benefit from:

  • Targeted therapy: IMRT is one of several forms of specialized radiation therapy we use that allow us to precisely target your tumor – regardless of its size and shape – and minimize radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Team approach to care: Our radiologists are important members of your cancer treatment team. They work closely with your physician, surgeon, hematologist and others to deliver personalized care guided by your treatment plan.
  • Experience and expertise: Our team of radiation oncologists has advanced training in their specialized fields. Each year, we treat more than 800 people who have cancer.
  • Personalized care: At the UVM Cancer Center, our goal is to enhance your quality of life both during and after cancer treatment. Our Cancer Patient Support Program provides emotional and educational support to you and your family. Our free Steps to Wellness program helps you regain muscle strength and increase stamina so you can more quickly return to enjoying everyday activities following cancer treatments.
  • Convenience: Our location adjacent to the UVM Cancer Center and the parking garage provides easy access between the areas.
  • Therapeutic touches: We designed the Garden Pavilion to provide both comfort and privacy based on input from patients and families. Each treatment area has two exam rooms and two private changing rooms complete with personal restrooms and lockers. Rooftop flower and vegetable gardens offer a tranquil retreat for you and your family. Natural light from skylights and windows brighten and warm the facility.

What is IMRT?

The irregular shape of many tumors makes it a challenge to irradiate cancerous cells without damaging healthy surrounding tissues and organs. Intensity modulated radiation therapy gives your radiation oncologist more control over the amount of radiation that reaches cancerous and noncancerous areas.

Your physician uses ultrasound images and 3D-conformal radiation therapy to make 3D models of your tumor and surrounding organs. This information helps match radiation beams precisely to the size and shape of your tumor.

Your physician can intensify the strength of these specially-shaped radiation beams while aiming them at your tumor from several different directions. This ensures targeted delivery of higher doses of radiation to the cancerous area while decreasing the amount of radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs.

A plastic mold resembling a body cast may immobilize you during the procedure.

Benefits of IMRT

There are many benefits of this form of radiation therapy, including:

  • Highest possible radiation dose delivered directly to targeted cancerous area
  • Limited radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs
  • Fewer side effects than standard radiation therapy
  • Can be combined with other cancer treatments for greater efficacy

Am I a Candidate for IMRT?

Your physician may recommend intensity modulated radiation therapy if you have:

Christopher J. Anker, MD
Radiation Oncology
Daniel K. Fram, MD
Radiation Oncology
Havaleh M. Gagne, MD
Radiation Oncology
Ruth Heimann, MD, PhD
Radiation Oncology
Carl J. Nelson, MD
Radiation Oncology
Harold J. Wallace, MD
Radiation Oncology

Cancer Center - Patient Guide