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Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)
Home > Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)
What is Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)?
Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) is a highly specialized and precise form of radiation therapy used primarily to treat tumors in the brain, spine, and other areas of the body. By delivering focused, high-dose radiation to a targeted tumor or abnormal tissue, SRT minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues. SRT is commonly used in the treatment of both malignant and benign tumors, as well as in the management of various neurological disorders.
SRT is delivered using advanced imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, or PET scans to precisely locate the tumor and guide the radiation beams. The treatment involves the use of sophisticated technology, like linear accelerators (LINACs) or dedicated systems such as the Gamma Knife or CyberKnife, which deliver multiple radiation beams from different angles, converging on the tumor with great accuracy. The high precision of SRT allows for fewer treatment sessions—typically ranging from one to five sessions—compared to conventional radiation therapy, which may require daily treatments for several weeks.
How Stereotactic Radiotherapy Works
SRT uses advanced imaging techniques (such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays) to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor. The patient undergoes detailed imaging before treatment to create a 3D map of the tumor, ensuring the radiation is delivered with extreme accuracy. The treatment is non-invasive, meaning there is no need for surgery, and can often be completed in just a few sessions.
Unlike traditional radiotherapy, which uses broad beams of radiation, SRT utilizes narrow, high-dose beams aimed directly at the tumor, sparing the healthy surrounding tissues. This precision makes it ideal for treating tumors located in delicate areas, such as the brain or spinal cord.
Conditions Treated with Stereotactic Radiotherapy
SRT is effective for treating a range of conditions, including:
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Brain Tumors:
Both primary (originating in the brain) and metastatic (spread to the brain from other parts of the body) tumors can be treated with SRT. It is particularly effective for small tumors that are difficult to surgically remove. -
Spinal Tumors:
SRT can be used to treat tumors in the spine, which are often challenging to treat with conventional radiation due to the complexity of the spine’s anatomy. -
Functional Neurological Disorders:
SRT has been shown to be effective for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), where blood vessels in the brain become tangled and lead to neurological problems. -
Metastatic Cancer:
Patients with cancer that has spread to the brain (brain metastases) can benefit from SRT, which provides an alternative to surgery when the tumors are inoperable. -
Benign Tumors:
SRT can also treat non-cancerous tumors, such as acoustic neuromas or meningiomas, providing an option when surgery is not suitable.
Benefits of Stereotactic Radiotherapy
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Precision and Accuracy:
SRT can target tumors with great precision, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and reducing side effects. -
Non-invasive Treatment:
As a non-surgical approach, SRT eliminates the risks and recovery time associated with traditional surgery. -
Minimal Side Effects:
Because the radiation is carefully focused, patients often experience fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy. -
Quick Treatment Sessions:
SRT typically involves fewer sessions than conventional radiotherapy, with many patients undergoing only one or a few treatment sessions. -
Effective for Difficult-to-Reach Tumors:
SRT is particularly effective for tumors located in delicate areas, such as the brainstem or spinal cord, which are difficult to treat with other methods.
Stereotactic Radiotherapy Procedure
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Planning Stage: The first step is an imaging session where the tumor is located with great precision using MRI, CT scans, or other imaging techniques. A custom mask may be created for head or neck tumors to ensure the patient remains in the exact same position during each treatment session.
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Treatment Session: During the treatment, the patient lies on a treatment table, and the radiation machine is adjusted to deliver the precise dose of radiation to the tumor. The procedure is painless and typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour.
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Follow-up Care: After treatment, the patient may need follow-up imaging to monitor the tumor’s response to the therapy. SRT treatment typically doesn’t require a long recovery time, and most patients can resume their normal activities shortly afterward.
Side Effects of Stereotactic Radiotherapy
While SRT is generally well tolerated, some patients may experience side effects, including:
- Fatigue: A common side effect after radiation therapy.
- Headache or Nausea: Particularly in brain tumor treatments.
- Skin Irritation: Some patients may develop mild redness or irritation at the site where the radiation beams enter the body.
- Temporary Swelling: In the case of brain tumors, swelling can occur as the tumor responds to the radiation.
Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes
The recovery process after SRT is typically quick, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort and a rapid return to daily activities. Follow-up care is crucial to monitor the tumor’s response to the treatment. Over time, SRT effectively shrinks or eliminates the targeted tumors, offering patients an improved prognosis and quality of life.
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