A common and effective method for treating many cancers is radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams or particles to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Although it can be used alone, radiation therapy is often combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy.
At Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, we provide the latest radiation therapy treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Both are non-invasive forms of external beam radiation therapy that deliver high doses of radiation with remarkable precision. This allows patients to undergo fewer treatments, resulting in fewer side effects and faster recovery times.
Stereotactic radiation therapy includes two main types: stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
While SRS and SBRT share similarities in precisely targeting tumors based on individual needs, there are key differences that are important to understand:
Your oncologist will help determine which treatment option is best for you based on your specific needs.
Before SRS or SBRT treatment begins, patients will have a planning session, where they will undergo imaging scans. These scans help the radiation oncologist determine the size, shape, and location of the tumor. Together with the cancer care team, the radiation oncologist will design a customized treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs.
Patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) will be positioned accurately and securely for each session. The radiation technician may use a rigid frame or a custom-fitted mask to keep you still during treatment.
After you are in place, the radiation team takes a computed tomography (CT) scan of your tumor. This scan shows exactly where the tumor is so that radiation can target the right area. The radiation technician will then use a linear accelerator (LINAC), such as the TrueBeam Radiotherapy System, to direct multiple beams of radiation at the tumor from different angles. TrueBeam is an advanced form of external beam radiation therapy that can target tumors to the smallest millimeter. Each treatment session usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, but it can vary depending on the tumor's size and location.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) works similarly to SRS, but the treatment simulation occurs before the actual procedure. This allows the radiation oncologist to map out the cancerous area and create an appropriate treatment plan.
Before treatment, the patient is carefully positioned and immobilized using a specially designed body frame. The technician will use continuous imaging and monitoring to make sure the linear accelerator delivers the radiation accurately. If the patient moves, adjustments will be made to ensure only the tumor is targeted and that healthy tissue is spared.
Both SRS and SBRT are noninvasive procedures that require fewer treatment sessions than traditional radiation therapy. This significantly benefits patients by needing only one session for SRS or one to five sessions over the course of two weeks for SBRT, compared to the standard radiation therapy schedule of five days a week for 4-8 weeks. After treatment, patients will see their oncologist for follow-up visits to check how well the tumor is responding and to discuss any side effects.
Possible side effects can vary based on the location of the tumor being treated. Common side effects include tiredness or fatigue, as well as skin-related issues such as irritation, redness, dryness, swelling, or itching at the treatment site. For specific types of cancer, like lung cancer, patients may experience a mild cough, or prostate cancer may lead to changes in bowel habits.
Certain cancer patients can benefit from non-invasive treatment options like stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy. These treatments are particularly useful for cancers such as:
The radiation oncologist will discuss the number of treatments and your treatment goals.
Patients living in and around the greater Atlanta area can access Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. Talk with a radiation oncologist about what is available to you based on the type of cancer, stage, and location.
Request a consultation at a location near you for a personalized treatment plan. Our team will work closely with the medical oncologists and surgeons who are involved in your cancer treatment process.