Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Precision Treatment for Cancer
Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer—it can be used to target cancer cells, relieve symptoms associated with cancer, or prevent cancer from returning. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, hormones, or targeted therapy.
Radiation therapy uses strong beams of energy to target specific sites of cancer while minimizing the effect on nearby organs and tissue. At NorthMain Radiation Oncology, we treat a variety of cancers in different areas of the body with a wide range of radiation therapies.
In recent years, advancements have led to more precise and targeted treatment options. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) are noninvasive forms of radiation therapy that deliver a large dose of radiation to a small tumor area. These techniques are a leap forward in the precision and efficacy of cancer treatment, allowing for high doses of radiation to be delivered with pinpoint accuracy to small, well-defined tumors. SBRT and SRS represent leading-edge advancements in radiation therapy, offering patients effective, non-invasive treatment options with reduced side effects and shorter recovery times.
What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery?
SRS is a specialized form of radiation therapy that uses precisely focused radiation beams to directly treat cancer cells in a single session. Despite its name, SRS is a non-surgical procedure.
What does SRS treat?
SRS is primarily used to treat cancer cells found in the brain or spine. The precision of SRS minimizes damage to surrounding brain tissue, making it a preferred option for treating brain-related conditions that are otherwise difficult to address surgically.
How is SRS administered?
When you begin SRS treatments, your treatment team will first ensure that your head remains completely still during treatment. This may involve a rigid frame attached to your skull or a custom-fitted mask.
High-resolution imaging techniques are used to map out the precise location of the tumor. Your team will develop a highly detailed treatment plan to ensure the radiation only targets the intended area. Multiple beams of radiation are then focused on the target with extreme precision. This can be done using a Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, or linear accelerator.
Because this treatment is non-invasive and typically completed in one session, recovery time for SRS is usually minimal. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the treatment's effectiveness and manage any potential side effects.
What is Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy?
Similarly to SRS, SBRT also uses highly focused radiation beams to treat tumors. This method utilizes advanced imaging techniques to map the three-dimensional shape of the tumor and target it with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. SBRT is usually administered in one to five sessions.
What does SBRT treat?
This method primarily treats tumors outside of the brain. It is most commonly used to target cancer cells in the lungs, spine, kidneys, and prostate.
How is SBRT administered?
Before treatment begins, patients are carefully positioned and immobilized using custom molds or frames to ensure precision. This is crucial as SBRT involves delivering radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy. Throughout the procedure, continuous imaging and monitoring ensure that the patient remains in the correct position and that the radiation is delivered accurately. Adjustments may be made as necessary to accommodate any slight movements.
Advanced imaging techniques, such as CT, MRI, or PET scans, are used to obtain detailed images of the tumor and surrounding organs. These images guide the creation of a personalized treatment plan that outlines the exact coordinates for radiation delivery. During each session, a linear accelerator or other specialized machine delivers the high-dose radiation beams from multiple angles, converging precisely at the tumor site.
Who Should Consider SBRT or SRS?
Both SBRT and SRS offer significant advantages for patients seeking a non-invasive, precise, and effective treatment option. Your cancer care team may consider these treatments if:
You have a small, well-defined tumor that has not spread to other parts of your body.
You cannot have surgery due to a medical condition, advanced age, or a tumor located in a difficult-to-operate area.
You have certain neurological conditions.
What are the Key Differences Between SBRT and SRS?
SBRT and SRS are both precision treatments that are highly tailored for each individual’s treatment. Your provider will determine which treatment is the best fit for you.
The differences between SBRT and SRS include:
Area of treatment: SRS is used to treat cancers found in the brain and spine, while SBRT treats tumors found outside of the brain.
Treatment schedules: SRS is usually completed in one treatment session, while SBRT may be administered in one to five sessions.
Call NorthMain Radiation Oncology for More Information about Radiation Therapy
At NorthMain Radiation Oncology, we are proud to offer a range of leading-edge radiation therapy treatments delivered by a team of compassionate experts in the Providence area. For more information about SBRT and SRS or to make an appointment, please visit northmainradiation.com or call 401-521-9700.