Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) / Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) is an intermediate technique, with many of the characteristics of both Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IG-IMRT). When applied outside of the brain, this technique is often called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). SRT uses doses higher than standard doses with conventional radiation therapy, but lower that SRS. The length of treatment is also intermediate – typically given in five daily dose fractions.

At Hoag, SRT and SBRT are delivered with the Tomotherapy unit. Tomotherapy is especially suited for SRT/SBRT because of the precise nature of helical IMRT, and the capability to take 3D images for treatment verification. When delivered to the brain, SRT uses a thermoplastic immobilization mask that is molded to the patient’s head. In contrast to the rigid head frame of SRS, this mask is applied non-invasively. When delivered to the body (SBRT), the patient is placed in a molded cradle, and wrapped with plastic covering. Suction is applied to hold the patient in a stable position. In both circumstances, 3D imaging is performed prior to each treatment to verify correct positioning. SRT is used to treat benign and malignant tumors of the brain, such as meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, acoustic neuromas, large metastases (spread of cancer from other sites in the body), optic tumors, and gliomas (anaplasticastrocytoma, glioblastomamultiforme). SBRT is used to treat selected tumors in the body, such as spinal lesions, liver metastases and lung metastases.

Hoag has a distinct advantage with active SRT/SBRT and SRS programs in the same facility. Our weekly multidisciplinary Tumor Board specialists are therefore able to recommend and carry out optimal treatment regimens within this fully integrated facility assuring the patients the best possible treatment options.