SBRT, or stereotactic body radiation therapy is a non-invasive cancer treatment that targets tumors with precise, high doses of radiation, according to Dr. Serguei Castaneda, Department of Radiation Oncology at Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia. He says SBRT targets only the cancer cells, which protects surrounding healthy tissue during treatment. He adds the radiation dose is high, which requires fewer treatments.
SBRT is most successful when a tumor is found early and is still small. According to Dr. Castaneda, the treatment is often used for battling cancers in the lungs, liver, spine, neck and pancreas. He points out there are several benefits for the patent. The procedure is non-invasive, so surgery is not required. The doses of radiation are high, so the patient requires fewer trips to the hospital. For example, instead of up to eight weeks of radiation treatment requiring a daily appointment, SBRT may cut that therapy time down to just a couple of days.
Still, it's not for everyone. He says SBRT is not as successful when the cancer is found late and the tumor is large. He says it's also more effective on certain parts of the body. If there is too much movement in the site, SBRT is not the best choice.