SBRT

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you might have heard about a treatment called Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, or SBRT. This innovative therapy is designed to target tumors with high precision, offering a powerful and non-invasive alternative to surgery.

What is SBRT?

SBRT is a form of radiation therapy that focuses intense radiation beams directly at the tumor. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which treats a broader area over several weeks, SBRT delivers a high dose of radiation to a very specific target in just a few sessions—typically between one and five. This means less exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and a faster overall treatment time.

How Does It Work?

Before treatment begins, your care team will use advanced imaging technologies like CT or MRI and PET scans to map out the exact location of the tumor. This allows them to tailor the radiation beams to the shape and size of the tumor, ensuring that the maximum dose is delivered to the cancer cells while sparing nearby healthy tissues.

What to Expect

The treatment itself is usually quick and painless, lasting about 30-60 minutes per session. You’ll lie still on a treatment table while the machine moves around you to deliver the radiation. Most patients experience minimal side effects. SBRT is non-invasive, scarless, and painless day care procedure with minimal recovery time. You can even go to your office the same day.

Who Can Benefit from SBRT?

SBRT is often used for tumors in the lungs, liver, bone, spine, or other areas where surgery might be challenging. It’s especially beneficial for patients who are not good candidates for surgery due to age or other health conditions and has shown equivalent results to surgery if delivered correcly.

Final Thoughts

SBRT is a cutting-edge treatment that offers hope for many patients by combining the power of radiation with precision technology. If your doctor recommends SBRT, it’s a safe and effective option that targets cancer while preserving your quality of life.

If you or your loved ones are suffering from cancers, always suggest an experienced Clinical (Radiation) Oncologist for opinion on whether SBRT is a treatment option for you.