Radiation Treatment
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
(SBRT)
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is a type of radiation therapy that uses multiple beams of powerful energy to target tumors in various areas of the body. SBRT also uses sophisticated image guidance to create a three-dimensional image of the tumor, which allows us to send more direct radiation treatment to cancer cells. This means healthy tissue outside of that area is less likely to be affected by the treatment.
The radiation level used in SBRT is quite high, making this therapy a good choice for shrinking or even destroying cancerous tumors while they’re still small. For example, this can make SBRT a good radiation treatment for early lung cancer. The level of radiation and the accuracy of the beams potentially means fewer required appointments compared to other forms of radiation treatment.
There are two types of SBRT:
- Linear accelerator, also known as LINAC, uses X-rays to treat tumors.
- Proton beam, or charged particle, SBRT uses protons to treat tumors over the course of several appointments. This is a newer technology that might be used if you’ve already had radiation therapy or if the cancer is close to vital organ.
Radiation Treatment
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
(SBRT)
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is a type of radiation therapy that uses multiple beams of powerful energy to target tumors in various areas of the body. SBRT also uses sophisticated image guidance to create a three-dimensional image of the tumor, which allows us to send more direct radiation treatment to cancer cells. This means healthy tissue outside of that area is less likely to be affected by the treatment.
The radiation level used in SBRT is quite high, making this therapy a good choice for shrinking or even destroying cancerous tumors while they’re still small. For example, this can make SBRT a good radiation treatment for early lung cancer. The level of radiation and the accuracy of the beams potentially means fewer required appointments compared to other forms of radiation treatment.
There are two types of SBRT:
- Linear accelerator, also known as LINAC, uses X-rays to treat tumors.
- Proton beam, or charged particle, SBRT uses protons to treat tumors over the course of several appointments. This is a newer technology that might be used if you’ve already had radiation therapy or if the cancer is close to vital organ.
Cancers SBRT Treats
SBRT is often used as a lung cancer radiation treatment and treatment for early stage low risk prostate cancer. It may also be used to treat pancreatic cancer or any cancer that has spread to the liver, adrenal glands, or spine.
Additionally, SBRT is used to treat oligometastatic cancers, which are tumors that have spread out from the point of origin but are still small and few enough in number that they can be treated with this method.
How SBRT Treatment Works
Like other kinds of radiation therapy, SBRT damages the DNA within cancer cells. This prevents the cells from multiplying, which in turn makes the tumor shrink.
Standard radiation therapy is usually delivered in small doses over the course of several weeks. Because SBRT uses higher daily doses of radiation, the treatment course is given in fewer sessions, which in turn leads to fewer side effects.
SBRT requires at least one planning session to determine what your treatment will look like. You’ll undergo a CT scan, MRI, and possibly other imaging as well. These images will be fused together to determine the tumor’s exact size and location, which will help us create a customized treatment plan using the safest angles and intensities of radiation.
To prepare for your treatment, we may ask you to:
- Not eat or drink anything for two to three hours before the procedure
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Avoid wearing jewelry, glasses, makeup, or dentures
- Confirm ahead of time whether it’s okay to take your medications or wear certain medical devices during therapy
SBRT is usually a painless outpatient procedure that can take up to an hour. During the treatment, you will be awake and we ask that you hold still during treatment to improve accuracy.
While you lie on a table, the machine will focus beams of energy on the targeted area, with the highest dose of radiation applied to the main target. The imaging technology and certain special devices are used to ensure that you stay in the same position for each session.
You should be able to eat and drink right after the procedure and go back to your regular schedule within a day or two. If you notice any side effects, be sure to let us know. You may also need to come in for follow-up exams and monitoring.
Radiation Treatment
Receive all the advanced care you need in one location, right here in your community. Our team offers personalized, interdisciplinary care using the latest treatment technologies, including IGRT, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, and SRS.
IMAGE-GUIDED RADIATION THERAPY (IGRT)
IGRT combines 3-D images with intensity-modulated radiation therapy to pinpoint cancerous tumors as precisely as possible.
INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY (IMRT)
IMRT is an advanced form of external radiation therapy that allows highly-accurate targeting of tumor cells.
IMAGE-GUIDED RADIATION THERAPY (IGRT)
IGRT combines 3-D images with intensity-modulated radiation therapy to pinpoint cancerous tumors as precisely as possible.
INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY (IMRT)
IMRT is an advanced form of external radiation therapy that allows highly-accurate targeting of tumor cells.
STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY (SBRT)
SBRT is an advanced type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation aimed at a very targeted area of the body.
VOLUMETRIC-MODULATED ARC THERAPY (VMAT)
VMAT machines use specialized software and advanced equipment to deliver precise treatments with greater speed.
STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY (SBRT)
SBRT is an advanced type of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation aimed at a very targeted area of the body.
VOLUMETRIC-MODULATED ARC THERAPY (VMAT)
VMAT machines use specialized software and advanced equipment to deliver precise treatments with greater speed.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY (SRS)
SRS uses 3-D imaging to precisely target abnormalities in the brain, spine, and other areas of the body.
TREATMENTS & TECHNOLOGIES
We use breakthrough technologies to treat more challenging types of cancer and develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY (SRS)
SRS uses 3-D imaging to precisely target abnormalities in the brain, spine, and other areas of the body.
TREATMENTS & TECHNOLOGIES
We use breakthrough technologies to treat more challenging types of cancer and develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have been referred for radiation therapy, the choice of where to receive treatment is yours. Our Brockton clinic offers the advanced treatments you need at a convenient location. Call us today to book a consultation.