What You Should Know About SRT
Stereotactic radiation therapy targets tumors using specialized and focused radiation beams. It uses technologies such as detailed imaging, computerized 3D technology, and meticulous treatment. These help the radiation oncologist team in delivering radiation doses with great accuracy.
Common Types of SRT
Stereotactic Radiosurgery: SRS involves delivering precise radiation treatments specifically to areas such as the brain or head.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: SBRT radiotherapy refers to delivering one or more focused radiation treatments to areas other than the brain and head.
How the SRT Works
Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) works by combining advanced technologies such as advanced imaging, detailed treatment planning, and highly accurate radiation delivery. All these help in delivering radiation to target tumors with exceptional precision.
The detailed imaging using scans such as CT, MRI, or other that help the radiation team in defining the exact size, shape, and location of the tumor before the treatment begins. It ensures radiation is delivered accurately while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
SRT treatment is often completed in one to five sessions depending on the type of cancer and overall patient condition.
Advanced Imaging
Detailed imaging and tumor mapping are organized to accurately identify the tumor's size, shape, and location.
Treatment Planning
Live images are compared against the original treatment plan. If the tumor has shifted, positioning is adjusted before radiation begins.
Targeted Radiation Delivery
After that Radiation specialists create a customized treatment plan that includes precise radiation dose, angles, and treatment approach as per the patient's diagnosis.
Radiation Delivery
Highly focused radiation beams are delivered from multiple angles to the tumor. This stage ensures that surrounding healthy tissue remains safe during treatment.
Key Benefits and Considerations of SRT
Stereotactic Radiotherapy is amongst the most popular radiation therapies. But whether it is suitable for you or not depends on the tumor size, location, and nearby sensitive organs.
Treatment Course
SRT treatment is delivered in comparatively fewer sessions than other conventional methods. Even the session timing is shorter.
Precise Method
Detailed imaging and advanced treatment planning help the radiation oncologist team in delivering the radiation to the tumor in a precise manner.
Non-Invasive Treatment
SRT delivers radiation externally. There is no need for surgical incisions or the physical removal of the tumor, so the process is pain-free.
Tumor Location Matters
Its suitability depends on the tumor's location and its proximity to sensitive structures, like the spinal cord or bowel.
Individual Treatment Assessment
A radiation oncology team generally evaluates the tumor, surrounding tissues, plus the patient's overall health to determine whether the SRT treatment is suitable for the patient.
Technologies Used in The SRT Treatment
The advanced technology behind Stereotactic Radiotherapy makes it popular amongst patients. They support accurate treatment planning, tumor localization, and controlled radiation delivery throughout the treatment.
Linear Accelerator Systems
Modern linear accelerators generate and deliver precisely controlled radiation beams efficiently to the tumor.
Beam CT Imaging
Cone-beam CT provides a three-dimensional view of the tumor. This helps the team verify the treatment area before radiation is delivered.
Six-Dimensional Positioning
Six-dimensional positioning systems can make fine adjustments to the patient's position. It helps the team align the treatment area with the planned target.
Motion Management
Motion management systems account for tumor or patient movement during treatment. It is particularly useful for areas affected by breathing or other motion.
Cancers Treated with SRT
SBRT cancer treatment and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are used to treat small tumors that are not suitable for surgery or other conventional radiation therapies. The treatment recommendation entirely depends on factors such as the tumor’s size, location, number, and overall patient condition or recovery goals.
Our radiation oncologist specialist can help you in determining whether SBRT or SRS is appropriate for a patient after organizing proper diagnosis and reviewing the medical records.
Cancer Treated With SRS
- Primary brain tumors, such as gliomas
- Brain metastases
- Benign brain tumors, such as meningiomas and acoustic neuromas
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Cancer Treated With SBRT
- Small lung cancers
- Lung metastases
- Liver metastases
