How is IG-SRT different from standard superficial radiotherapy without imaging?

Traditional superficial radiation therapy (SRT) for skin cancer has been around for decades, but it did not use ultrasound or any form of image-guidance. In those treatments, the dermatologist or radiation oncologist would estimate the size of the treatment field based on what was visible or felt on the skin, and then deliver X-rays to that area with a margin. The limitation was that without imaging, one might not precisely know the depth or true borders of the tumor. IG-SRT improves on this by adding real-time ultrasound imaging, which means we can find and measure the exact size, depth, and shape of the cancer before each treatment. We’re no longer guessing – we see the tumor’s extent beneath the surface and can adjust the radiation field to cover it completely. Also, IG-SRT allows for adaptive therapy: if the tumor shrinks, we can potentially adjust the treatment area or dose as needed, stage by stage. Non-image-guided SRT didn’t have that feedback; it was a one-size estimate from start to finish. The result is that IG-SRT can achieve even higher cure rates and spare more healthy tissue compared to traditional SRT. It’s basically taking a good treatment (superficial radiation) and making it smarter and more precise by incorporating imaging.