Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) is the use of computerized tomography (CT)-based planning techniques to generate 3 dimensional (3D) volumes of internal anatomy.  Sophisticated Treatment Planning Computer software then uses these volumes to shape the various radiation beams conforming to the target in each beam’s eye view (BEV).

Using multiply shaped beams from different angles, a high dose region results which encompasses the target in 3D with considerable sparing of surrounding normal tissues.

Example 3DCRT treatment plans are shown below.

3DCRT Treatment of a Patient with an Extremity Sarcoma

3DCRT treatment of a patient with an unresectable lung cancer

Initially introduced in the 1980’s, 3DCRT is now the standard treatment approach in most tumors of the body.  All UCSD Radiation Oncologists and Physicists have tremendous experience using 3DCRT techniques. 

Currently, the great majority of patients treated at our facility receive 3DCRT, with many treated with a sophisticated form of 3DCRT known as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).