Stereotactic radiation treatment is a form of external beam radiation therapy. Also known as stereotactic radiation therapy, it uses multiple narrow beams of focused ionizing radiation to destroy cells within a tumor in the body. Stereotactic radiation treatment is particularly effective in treating cancers of the brain and spinal column, small lung cancers and cases of liver metastases. It can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.
Types of Stereotactic Radiation Treatment
There are two types of stereotactic radiation treatment. The first is stereotactic radiosurgery, also known as SRS. This treatment is generally focused on the brain or spinal column. The second type of treatment is known as stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT, and focuses on the rest of the body. There are three primary technologies used in stereotactic radiation treatment. Delivering high energy photon radiation using a linear accelerator is the most common method. The second method is called a gamma knife and uses Cobalt 60 as its radiation source. The third method uses beams of charged particles such as protons. Treatment may be delivered using a number of different devices under brand names including CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, Novalis and TomoTherapy.
Treatment Process
Stereotactic radiation treatment focuses a high dose of radiation very precisely within the body to effectively target what are often very small tumors. The cells within the tumor can't regenerate after being exposed to radiation, while healthy cells can. This form of treatment allows the oncologist to significantly reduce or remove diseased tissue from the body non-invasively. Computerized, three-dimensional scanning and modeling of the patient assist in identifying the location of the tumor and targeting the treatment. In some cases, a specialized brace that is customized to the patient may be used to help keep the body perfectly still during treatment.
Advantages
The primary advantage of stereotactic radiation treatment is that it allows the radiation oncologist to painlessly deliver a high dose of radiation in relatively few visits or sometimes even a single visit. This is significantly less than traditional radiation regimens. Because the radiation beams are so highly focused, stereotactic radiation treatment also reduces risk of damage to nearby of organs and tissues. Reducing the number of doses of radiation can also minimize the side effects.
Disadvantages
Stereotactic radiation treatment is appropriate only for relatively small and well-defined tumors that can be imaged using CT or MRI technology. This form of treatment may also be contraindicated if the tumor is located in an area of the body, such as the bowel, that may be damaged in the process of treating the tumor.
Treatment Options
Stereotactic radiation treatment is available across the United States in medical facilities located in major universities, cancer centers and community hospitals. Different stereotactic radiation systems provide different types of treatment. Each facility and the equipment they provide should be evaluated based on specific needs. A radiation oncologist will determine what course of treatment is most appropriate.
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