SBRT

SBRT or Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position a patient and deliver radiation to tumors with high precision. This form of radiation therapy provides the capability to deliver fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy, which can help preserve healthy tissue.

History

The concept of SBRT was first introduced in the 1950s by Lars Leksell, a Swedish neurosurgeon. He developed the first stereotactic frame for radiosurgery in the brain. The technique was later expanded to other parts of the body in the 1990s.

Procedure

SBRT involves the use of imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and PET to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor. The patient is positioned on a movable treatment couch which is adjusted to target the tumor precisely.

Applications

SBRT is used to treat small, well-defined tumors in the lungs, liver, spine, and other parts of the body. It is also used in cases where surgery is not an option due to the location of the tumor or the patient's overall health condition.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of SBRT is its precision. It can target tumors with high accuracy, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues. However, it also has some disadvantages. The high dose of radiation can cause side effects such as fatigue, skin reactions, and changes in blood counts.

See Also

• Radiation Therapy
• Radiosurgery
• Computed Tomography
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Positron Emission Tomography

SBRT Resources
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