Stereotactic Radiation

The word stereotactic pertains to the precise positioning and localization of a tumor in relationship to the body. The technology used in SBRT allows external beam radiation to be delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Such advancement in the accuracy of radiation treatments allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered, thus potentially improving the likelihood of killing cancer cells of a tumor. Another benefit of improved accuracy is that treatments can be completed in a short period of time. Typically, SBRT consists of 3 to 5 treatments carried out over the course of 1 to 2 weeks. The precision associated with SBRT simultaneously helps reduce the dose of radiation to normal tissue around the tumor, also helping to reduce side effects for patients.

SBRT is especially helpful in treatment of certain small tumors of the lung when the patient is not a surgical candidate.

SRS or Stereotactic Radiosurgery: SRS utilizes special treatment software and hardware and is designed to precisely deliver a single high dose of radiation in a one day session. SRS has such a dramatic effect in the target zone that the changes are considered "surgical." Through the use of three-dimensional computer-aided treatment planning and a high degree of immobilization, the treatment can minimize the amount of radiation that passes through healthy brain tissue. SRS is routinely used to treat small brain lesions when a tumor is inaccessible by surgical means.

Each SRS or SBRT procedure is carried out by a qualified team that consists of a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist, a Board Certified PhD Physicist, a Board Certified MS Physicist, Registered and Certified Radiation Therapists, and an Oncology Certified Registered Nurse.