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The principles of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), specifically high-precision radiation, are now being applied to treat body tumors in a procedure called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

High doses in few treatments (1-5 sessions)
SBRT is currently used to treat small to medium-sized malignant or benign tumors in the body, and in common disease sites such as metastases in the lungs, liver, abdomen, spine, prostate, breasts, and head and neck areas.

Despite its name, and in comparison with traditional radiotherapy, it is a non-surgical procedure that delivers highly focused radiation in much higher doses over just one or a few treatments. This is made possible through highly advanced radiation technologies that allow maximum doses to be delivered within the target while minimizing the dose received by surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is to administer doses that destroy the tumor and achieve maximum local control.

Special preparations required for the procedure

SBRT is administered with the help of a radiation therapy team, which typically includes a radiation oncologist, a nurse and imaging specialist trained in radiotherapy, as well as a physicist and a dosimetrist. Before your treatment begins, you will have one or more appointments with members of your team to make the necessary plans and preparations for your treatment; this may require you to undergo additional tests and procedures. Before your first treatment session:

  • You may need to have fiducial markers (also called seeds) implanted in or near the tumor. These markers are small metallic gold segments that are clearly visible in imaging studies and later serve as a guide for the radiation therapy treatment. Your doctor will explain this procedure in more detail if necessary.
  • You may undergo CT scans or other imaging tests to precisely locate the areas of your body that will be treated with radiation therapy.
  • Positioning devices such as molds, masks, supports, and cushions are made to help keep your body in the same position during each treatment session.

SBRT Treatment Sessions

 

In SBRT, 1 to 5 doses of radiation are administered over the course of 1 to 2 weeks. You and your team members will discuss the exact schedule for your treatment in advance. Each treatment session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. During each session, you can expect the following to occur:

You will remove your clothing and put on a patient gown. The imaging technologist will position you correctly on the treatment table; at this time, any positioning device that has been made will be used.
The imaging technologist will leave the room and turn on the linear accelerator (linac) from outside. The technologist will monitor you on a screen, and you will be able to communicate with them through an intercom.
With the help of X-rays or CT scans, the correct positioning and alignment of the linac beams relative to your body are confirmed; then the beams are directed toward the tumor. You will hear the machine, but you will not feel anything.
You will be able to return home shortly after the treatment session ends. Your doctor or nursing staff will inform you when you need to return for your next session, if a follow-up is necessary.
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Possible side effects of SBRT

 

In SBRT, 1 to 5 doses of radiation are administered over the course of 1 to 2 weeks. You and your team members will discuss the exact schedule for your treatment in advance. Each treatment session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. During each session, you can expect the following to occur.