3D Conformal Radiation Therapy
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy is a type of external beam radiation therapy. It is also called 3D CRT.
In 3D CRT, radiation beams are sent to the cancer from different directions. The beams are shaped to match the tumor exactly and to avoid healthy tissue.
If you have 3D CRT, your healthcare team will make a mold or cast for the part of your body that will be treated. Wearing the mold or cast during your radiation treatments helps you stay still so the radiation beam can reach the tumor and avoid healthy tissue.
Because the shaped beam used in 3D CRT radiation therapy is so precise, your doctor can prescribe a higher dose of radiation for the tumor. This helps destroy more cancer cells with each treatment.