​Image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is the routine process of taking images of you before the radiation therapy is delivered. These images will enhance daily treatment accuracy. These images might be X-ray (2D) or CT (3D) images, using equipment that is a part of the linear accelerator. These images allow the radiation therapists to visualise the treatment area and to precisely adjust for any daily changes.

​The Northern Sydney Cancer Centre has a history of innovation in radiation oncology. We have always driven to improve patient outcomes through technology. One of the ways that this can be achieved is by daily customisation of radiotherapy to each patient, each day, using our Ethos treatment unit. Collaborating with Varian medical systems, the NSCC pioneered adaptive radiotherapy with the world's only AI-driven radiotherapy machine that brings artificial intelligence and automation to the point of care for the very first time.

​Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is a technique that uses the CT scan created during your planning appointment and specialised computer software to create a treatment plan for you.

​Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced radiation therapy technique that delivers high-precision radiotherapy using complex shielding called multi-leaf collimators (MLCs), which are controlled by a computer.

​Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is similar to IMRT however the radiation is delivered in a continuous rotation or 'arc', with the machine moving around the patient.

​Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a specialised technique that delivers a very high amount of radiation in a small number of treatments. It is most often suitable for small, well-defined lesions. The radiation oncologist will determine if SBRT is suitable for your treatment area.

​Stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) is a specialised technique that treats lesions in the brain with a very high radiation dose. This may be delivered in one or a few treatments. Patients will have a custom mask made to ensure positioning accuracy.

​Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) is a technique suitable mainly for left-sided breast radiotherapy or certain chest treatments that can reduce radiation exposure to the heart and lungs. The planning CT scan will assess which technique (free-breathing or DIBH) is most suitable for the patient's individual anatomy.

​Exhale breath hold (EBH) is a technique that may be suitable for certain abdominal cancers. It helps to reduce the motion that breathing causes which can help target the tumour.​

​Breast radiotherapy can be delivered in the 'supine' (lying on your back) or 'prone' (lying on your stomach) position. Some patients may benefit from the 'prone' position, which means the patient is positioned laying on their stomach with the treated breast falling away from the body. The radiation oncologist will assess which position is most suitable for each patient's anatomy.​

Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is a treatment method used for haematological cancers. It precisely delivers radiation to the entire body in preparation for blood stem cell or bone marrow transplants.​