Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Facing a cancer diagnosis often means having to navigate complex decisions, this is especially true when tumors are located near vital organs or other sensitive areas. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an advanced radiotherapeutic cancer treatment that uses highly targeted, high-energy beams on small, hard-to-reach tumors.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a sophisticated form of external beam radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to tumors in the body, excluding the brain and central nervous system.
SBRT uses advanced imaging technologies, like CT scans, MRIs and PET/CT scans to create a detailed 3D or 4D map of the tumor. This imaging provides the radiation oncologist with the tumor’s location, size and shape, including how it might move with breathing. This detailed mapping allows your care team to plan and deliver radiation beams with millimeter-scale accuracy, concentrating the radiation dose precisely on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs.
SBRT is recommended for use on primary tumors, the original tumor, and oligometastatic cancers, where the cancer has spread but is small and limited. This radiation therapy is particularly effective for certain cancers, including:
- Head and neck tumors
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer, early stage and metastases
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
SBRT can also be an option for patients who are unable to undergo surgery due to health conditions or the location of the tumor.
Key benefits of SBRT include:
- Exceptional accuracy and precision targeting tumors
- Higher dose of radiation per session, compared to conventional radiation therapy
- Non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require incisions or a hospital stay
- Reduced side effects and damage to healthy tissues
- Shorter treatment timeframe, typically 1-5 sessions, instead of multiple weeks required for conventional radiation therapy
Because SBRT is administered over several short and pain-free sessions, you will first undergo a variety of scans and procedures to help determine how doctors will best treat your specific situation. These possible tests include CT, PET and MRI scans. The tests are the first step your team of oncologists and caregivers takes in constructing your personalized treatment plan.
As your SBRT treatment begins, calibration and diagnostic procedures are put in place. These may include a body mold and small freckle-sized tattoos. The tattoos help the radiation equipment align to the targeted area, and the body mold comfortably assists you in maintaining a still position on the treatment table while receiving radiation.
These procedures are calibrated on a daily basis to ensure precision, accuracy and consistency throughout each therapy session.
Each radiation therapy session runs like a CT or MRI scan. Your radiotherapist positions you on the treatment table surrounded by the medical linear accelerator. Once the machine is ready to deliver the radiation, your radiation therapist will exit the room.
At Providence, we care about providing comfort, so in situations like these, your therapist will be able to see you during treatment via video camera. They will maintain contact with you over a microphone and intercom at all times, so you can easily communicate if you need anything.
The sessions are often short and pain free. After your first session, which is typically the longest session to ensure precise calibration of machinery, each subsequent session lasts about 15-30 minutes.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a precise treatment that often reduces side effects compared to conventional radiation. Most side effects are short-term, typically resolving within weeks after treatment, though long-term changes can occur.
Some general side effects include:
- Fatigue and tiredness are very common, temporary effects
- Localized inflammation or swelling, may cause tenderness or discomfort
- Skin changes like redness, irritation, dryness, or itching in the treatment area
Site-specific reactions are common following SBRT:
- Head and neck: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing or changes in taste
- Liver and pancreas: Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Lung: Shortness of breath, dry cough or chest wall pain due to inflammation
- Prostate: Increased urinary frequency, urgency or discomfort
Frequently Asked Questions
The equipment used for external beam therapy is called a linear accelerator. The patient lies down on a treatment table and is placed under the machine. The machine does not touch the patient.
A linear accelerator can rotate 360° around the patient. The physician will, through the treatment planning process, prescribe the direction in which the X-ray beam is aimed.
For very select cases, especially skin lesions, superficial X-rays may be used. The physicians will select which machine is appropriate for your circumstances.
To receive the maximum benefit from therapy, it’s essential that you receive all your prescribed radiation treatments. If you think you can’t attend a scheduled appointment, please call the nurse or therapist.
Missed appointments are made up so that you may still receive the same total number of treatments prescribed. We’re very familiar with patients who see more than one physician in a day, and we make every effort to reschedule your appointment, if necessary.
Sometimes your radiation oncologist may prescribe a treatment break. This allows normal tissues a chance to recover from the effects of radiation.
No. Neither you nor your clothing will become radioactive, and it’s perfectly safe for you to be around your family and loved ones.
For the first couple weeks of treatment, you’re not likely to notice any changes. After that, you may experience skin irritation in the treatment area exposed to radiation. The skin may become red, dry or itchy. This can include scalp irritation or hair loss in the treatment area.
These side effects are temporary and typically heal within a few weeks after radiation is completed.
Recommended care of skin exposed to the radiation beam at its entrance point and its exit point:
- Avoid exposing the treated skin to sun. Wear protective clothing over the treated areas. Sunscreen doesn’t provide enough protection.
- Avoid using heating pads, heat or sun lamps, hot water bottles or ice packs on the treated areas.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that could rub, chafe or otherwise irritate your skin. Cotton fabrics are better than synthetics next to your skin.
- Don’t apply deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, powders, petroleum jelly, products containing alcohol or products such as Deep Heat™ or Icy Hot™ to the irradiated skin. If you have any questions, contact your care team for clarification.
- Keep the irradiated skin clean and dry. Cleanse with mild soap and water. Use your bare hand to cleanse the area. You can judge the sensitivity and pressure better this way. Gently pat the area dry. Avoid vigorous rubbing, massaging or scrubbing.
- Only apply the oil or cream that your care team provides to you. Don’t use any additional products on the treated areas unless approved by your care team.
You’re encouraged to carry on with your normal daily activities as much as possible, as long as you’re not feeling overstressed. However, depending on the area of the body that’s being treated and whether you have additional treatment modalities such as surgery, you may need to discuss restrictions with your care team.
Many people continue to work without experiencing adverse effects. If you feel you can’t continue to work or need a reduced schedule, please talk to your physician or nurse. Try to balance your daily activities with periods of rest, if necessary.