Many cancer treatment plans include radiation therapy because it is highly effective and precise. It’s proven to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence and can ease symptoms caused by the growth of cancer cells. At Virginia Oncology Associates, patients have access to the latest advancements in radiation therapy.
Two types of radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), effectively target tumors of various sizes, including small ones that are often challenging to reach with surgery. Fewer treatments are needed by delivering high doses of radiation with remarkable precision.
What is the Difference Between Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy?
Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is not a surgical procedure. Instead, this high-dose, extremely precise radiation therapy focuses beams on small, hard-to-reach tumors close to critical organs that may be difficult to remove surgically. This technique is great for brain tumors, allowing oncologists to effectively treat brain cancers in fewer treatments and with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy brain tissue. Whether SRS is used alone or in combination with cancer treatments depends on the type of cancer being treated.
Related reading: Improved Options for Radiotherapy When Cancer Has Spread to the Brain
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is high-dose radiation typically used in areas other than the brain, delivering highly focused radiation beams to tumors. Oncologists use advanced imaging techniques to accurately map the three-dimensional shape of the tumor so it can be targeted with minimal harm to healthy tissue in the area.
How SRS and SBRT Differ from One Another
While SRS and SBRT are both precision treatments tailored to an individual’s needs, there are some key differences:
- Area of treatment: SRS is primarily used to treat tumors in the brain. In contrast, SBRT is usually used to treat tumors located in other areas of the body, particularly the lungs, spine, kidneys, and prostate.
- Tumor mapping: Imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans are used to locate a tumor (known as simulation).
- Treatment schedule: SRS is usually administered during a single session, although up to three sessions may be required. SBRT may also be administered in a single session but may be administered over three to five sessions.
Being Treated with SRS or SBRT: What to Expect
Both SRS and SBRT are short, non-invasive treatments requiring one to five total treatment sessions.
How is Stereotactic Radiosurgery Administered?
When receiving SRS, it is important to remain completely still. To help keep your head from moving, your radiation specialist will secure you in place using a rigid frame or a custom-fitted mask.
Your radiation oncologist will use high-resolution imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI, to map out the tumor's exact location. These scans ensure only the intended area receives radiation. Multiple beams of radiation are then focused on the tumor with extreme precision.
How is Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Administered?
You will be carefully positioned and held in place with a custom mold or frame to ensure you stay still during treatment. Your radiation specialist will continuously check images and monitor your position to ensure the radiation is delivered exactly where needed. If there is some movement, the radiation technician can adjust the equipment to keep targeting the tumor accurately.
Who Can Benefit from Having SRS or SBRT?
SRS and SBRT are effective, non-invasive treatment options that may be recommended for certain patients if:
- Surgery is not an option
- The tumor is small, well-defined, and localized
- A specific neurological condition is present
Just like other cancer treatments, patients may experience side effects with SRS or SBRT. Some of these side effects may include fatigue and skin issues such as irritation, redness, dryness, swelling, or itching at the treatment site. However, SBRT may lead to symptoms based on the tumor's location. For example, patients treated for lung cancer may develop a mild cough, and patients treated for prostate cancer may notice bowel changes.
Cancer Treatment with Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Available at Virginia Oncology Associates
While radiation therapy can be used alone, it is frequently combined with other cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. At VOA, our oncologists work together to create a coordinated treatment plan customized for each patient.
Our cancer centers are located throughout Virginia and Eastern North Carolina, including Chesapeake, Elizabeth City, Newport News, Norfolk, Suffolk (Obici and Harbour View), Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.
Request an appointment at the VOA location that is most convenient for you to consult with one of our radiation oncologists.
