Print OverviewOne of many types of radiation therapy, 3-D conformal radiation is a technique that allows doctors to direct radiation beams to conform to the shape of the tumor. Compared with historical, 2-D radiation therapy, 3-D conformal radiation more precisely delivers radiation to cancer cells, while reducing the amount of radiation to healthy cells. This conventional form of radiation therapy is used to treat cancerous and noncancerous tumors throughout the body. To prepare for 3-D conformal radiation, specialists use advanced technology to plot the path of multiple radiation beams that will be aimed at the tumor from different directions. During 3-D conformal radiation, the beams deliver a set treatment dose to the tumor, which is spread around the surrounding normal tissue to minimize the entrance and exit dose to any one area.Products & ServicesSign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with Cancer By Mayo Clinic Staff 3-D conformal radiation care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments Aug. 18, 2020 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references External beam radiation therapy. RT Answers. http://www.rtanswers.org/External-Beam-Radiation-Therapy/. Accessed Aug. 11, 2017. Gunderson LL, et al., eds. Intensity-modulated and image-guided radiation therapy. In: Clinical Radiation Oncology, 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 11, 2017. Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2017. Related Products & Services Sign up for Email: Get Your Free Resource – Coping with Cancer 3-D conformal radiationAboutDoctors & DepartmentsCare at Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20314018 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures 3-D conformal radiation