Traditional radiation therapy often involves exposing large areas of healthy tissue to radiation, which can result in significant side effects, particularly in sensitive areas such as the brain and lungs. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) represent advanced, targeted approaches that focus high doses of radiation on precise areas, thereby minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues and reducing side effects.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers a concentrated dose of radiation in a single session. It is primarily used for brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and certain functional disorders. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), on the other hand, involves a series of sessions to deliver high doses of radiation to small-to-medium-sized tumors in various body sites, including the lungs, liver, spine, and prostate.
Both SRS and SBRT offer significant advantages over conventional radiation therapy. The precision of these methods not only shortens treatment times but also enhances effectiveness.
These advanced techniques provide crucial alternatives to invasive surgery, in certain cancers, especially for patients who are not candidates for surgery or have tumors located near vital organs.