Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery that uses a linear accelerator (Linac) to deliver highly focused radiation with extreme accuracy to treat tumors in specific parts of the body such as the spine, lung and liver. SBRT is often used to treat tumors that have recurred in patients after prior radiotherapy or when a tumor is next to or within an organ that is very sensitive to radiation. Because SBRS is noninvasive, it also can be used as an alternative to surgery or other treatments for patients who are not healthy enough to undergo surgery.

Stereotactic body radiosurgery can be aimed with pinpoint accuracy. This precision allows physicians to treat small tumors close to critical areas with limited risk to the patient's health.

The type, location and size of the tumor help the body radiosurgical team determine whether radiosurgery is most appropriate. Some patients are treated in one day, whereas others receive up to five treatments over a period of five to fourteen days.