Stereotaxic Body Radiosurgery
The principles of SRS, that is, high-precision radiation, are currently being used to treat tumors in the body, in a procedure called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
Unlike conventional radiotherapy, which delivers lower doses of radiation over many sessions, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is characterized by the delivery of high, precise doses of radiation aimed at a specific tumor in a reduced number of sessions, typically between 1 and 5.
The key to SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) lies in its ability to minimize the exposure of surrounding healthy tissues to radiation.
Let's explore more in the following section.
More about this treatment
SBRT's (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) precision significantly reduces side effects and allows for the delivery of lethal doses to cancer cells. Imagine a surgeon using an X-ray scalpel to target the tumor with astonishing accuracy, without the need for extensive incisions.
La SBRT actualmente se utiliza en el tratamiento de tumores malignos o benignos de tamaño pequeño a mediano en el cuerpo y en sitios comunes de la enfermedad, tales como metástasis en: Pulmón, hígado, abdomen, columna, prostate, mamas y cabeza y cuello principalmente.
Despite its name, and in comparison to traditional radiation therapy, SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) is a non-surgical procedure that delivers highly focused radiation in much higher doses and in only one or a few treatments.
This treatment is possible thanks to the development of highly advanced radiation technologies. These technologies allow for the delivery of maximum doses precisely within the target, while simultaneously minimizing the dose received by surrounding healthy tissue. The goal is to deliver doses that destroy the tumor and achieve maximum local control.
Hablemos más de SBRT...
SBRT is administered with the help of a radiation therapy team, which typically includes a radiation oncologist, a nurse, and an imaging specialist (all specializing in radiotherapy), along with a physicist and a dosimetrist. Before your treatment begins, you'll have one or more appointments with members of your team to make the necessary plans and preparations for your treatment. This might require you to undergo additional tests and procedures. Before your first treatment session:
- Maybe you have to implement some markers fiducials (also called seeds) in or near the tumor. Markers are small segments of metallic gold that are clearly seen on imaging studies and later guide radiation therapy treatment. Your doctor will explain this procedure to you in more detail, if necessary.
- You may have CT scans or other imaging tests to pinpoint the places in your body that will be treated with radiation therapy.
- Positioning devices such as molds, masks, supports and cushions are made to help keep your body in the same position during each treatment session.
SRBT treatment sessions
En la SBRT se administran de 1 a 5 dosis de radiación a lo largo de 1 a 2 semanas. Usted y los integrantes de su equipo hablarán de antemano sobre el horario exacto de su tratamiento. Cada sesión de tratamiento dura de 20 a 35 minutos.
You will be able to return home shortly after your treatment session ends. Your doctor or nursing staff will tell you when to return for your next session, if you need to return.
