How effective is stereotactic radiation therapy?

Early results suggest that SBRT is as effective as, and likely more effective than standard radiation therapy – especially for early stage lung cancer, gastrointestinal tumors such as pancreatic tumors, and liver tumors.

How long does it take for SBRT to work?

The LINAC machine moves and rotates around the target during treatment to deliver radiation beams from different angles. The treatment takes less than 30 minutes to an hour. Having SBRT is kind of like having an X-ray.

How long does it take for stereotactic radiosurgery to work?

The treatment effect of stereotactic radiosurgery occurs gradually, depending on the condition being treated: Benign tumors (including vestibular schwannoma). Following stereotactic radiosurgery, the tumor may shrink over a period of 18 months to two years, but the main goal of treatment for benign tumors is to prevent any future tumor growth.

How is stereotactic radiosurgery used to treat cancer?

SRS is noninvasive and not a surgical operation in the traditional sense. It delivers high doses of radiation precisely targeted at the tumor. It damages the DNA of the tumor cells and stops them from reproducing, which makes the tumors gradually shrink.

How does stereotactic body radiotherapy ( SBRT ) work?

Instead, SBRT uses 3D imaging to target high doses of radiation to the affected area. This means there’s very little damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Like other forms of radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery works by damaging the DNA of the targeted cells. Then, the affected cells can’t reproduce, which causes tumors to shrink.

How long does it take for tumor to shrink after stereotactic radiosurgery?

Following stereotactic radiosurgery, the tumor may shrink over a period of 18 months to two years, but the main goal of treatment for benign tumors is to prevent any future tumor growth.