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Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a revolutionary non-surgical radiation treatment that is used to treat pancreatic cancer and metastatic tumors in the lung, spine, liver, lymph nodes and other soft tissue. SBRT delivers a potent, highly focused dose of radiation to the tumor(s) while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. This ultra-precise way of delivering radiation offers an alternative for patients who are not candidates for conventional surgery.
Higher doses focused on the target cause tumors to shrink by damaging the targeted cells. The damaged cells lose their ability to grow and reproduce. SRS and SBRT is delivered in as little as one to five days.
Benefits of stereotactic radiosurgery include:
We have an experienced and compassionate team of experts including doctors, physicist, dosimetrist and radiation therapists who work together to carefully create and deliver a treatment plan designed to ensure the best possible outcome. Our team utilizes advanced 3D CRT (3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy) and IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy).
3-D Conformal Radiation Therapy uses CT, MRI and PET scans to create three-dimensional images of the tumor. Your oncologist and medical physicist then uses these images to develop your personalized radiation treatment plan.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy uses these advanced computer images to adjust the intensity (dose), direction and shape of radiation beams delivered to the tumor. This precision targets the tumor and spares adjacent healthy tissue.
For stereotactic radiosurgery, this level of precision allows our team to deliver high doses of radiation in fewer sessions while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is emotional, scary, overwhelming and can make you feel like you’ve lost control. Your cancer and the way you respond to treatments are individual and personal. Most people know about cancer through the experience of someone else, often a family member or friend. There are many types of cancer and other people’s experiences will not be the same as yours. We encourage you to express your emotions, ask questions and allow us to teach you how to be an advocate for yourself.
Several cancers today have excellent outcomes and can be cured with new technologies and advancements. In other cases, treatments may be given which either extend or maintain your quality of life. The first step to regaining control and alleviating much of your anxiety is to educate yourself about your cancer. Few cancers require emergency treatment so you have time to learn about your diagnosis and treatment options. We encourage you to ask questions and seek additional medical information.
There are many websites with information about cancer. In addition to our site, we recommend using reliable sources, including The American Cancer Society and The National Cancer Institute.
Because stereotactic radiosurgery is often completed in as little as one to five sessions, many patients are able to continue their normal routines with minimal disruption. Your care team will guide you through each step and tailor your treatment plan to your specific diagnosis and goals.
Our expertise in advanced techniques, including stereotactic radiosurgery, allows us to deliver highly targeted treatment with accuracy and care comparable to leading academic cancer centers.
We know you have a choice about where you get your cancer care. Here are the top reasons why we believe San Bernardino Cancer Care Center is the best choice:
You will have a CT scan, PET scan or MRI to create a personalized treatment plan. A specialized team, including your oncologist, will use 3D images and special computer software to establish the precise contours for each tumor and any regions of risk (sensitive organs or structures). Your physician will decide how much radiation the tumor should receive and the appropriate pattern, position and intensity of the radiation beam will be calculated.
For stereotactic radiosurgery, planning focuses on delivering a highly precise dose to a defined target, often allowing treatment to be completed in fewer sessions than conventional radiation therapy.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is often completed in one to five treatment sessions. In some cases, your physician may recommend a different schedule based on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
For other types of radiation therapy:
Radiation treatments happen Monday through Friday for a number of weeks, usually for 5-8 weeks. Weekend breaks, on Saturday and Sunday, allow your normal cells to recover and assist your healing process.
Ink marks or small tattoo-like dots may be placed on your skin in the area of the tumor to ensure the radiation is precisely delivered to the tumor. The markings are visible on your skin, but only in the area of the tumor and are not permanent. They are designed to fade and will begin to disappear towards the end of your radiation treatments. Occasionally, the markings will have to be reapplied to your skin during treatment. It is very important that you do not scrub the markings, during your bathing/showering. Your radiation therapist will discuss with you how to care for your skin during your treatments, including protecting the markings. You may also need a custom-fitted molded device to help keep you in the same position before and during treatment.
Our radiation therapists will bring you from the waiting room to the treatment room with the linear accelerator (radiation machine). They will ensure you are comfortable and assist you in getting positioned on the treatment table.
Our therapist will align the laser to the target on your skin, indicated by the “tattoo-like” markings. Alignment takes only a couple of minutes. The therapist will leave the room to deliver and monitor your treatment.
During treatment, the machine will move around your body. You won’t feel anything. It’s much like having an x-ray. Sometimes the specific area of skin receiving treatment, can get tender and sunburned, your healthcare team will want to know if you are experiencing any burning or discomfort during your treatment. Your healthcare team will guide you with proper care of your skin.
Typically the treatment takes about 10-15 minutes. Because stereotactic radiosurgery delivers a higher dose per session, treatments are typically short and completed in fewer visits.
The most common side effect is fatigue – it is very important to get plenty of rest and adequate nutrition. Generally, you will see your doctor weekly. We are always available if you need us. Side effects following stereotactic radiosurgery are often mild, though your care team will review what to expect based on the area being treated.