Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Precise Cancer Treatment

When it comes to cancer treatment, accuracy and precision are crucial for patient outcomes. Radiotherapy has long been the standard of care for many types of cancer, paving the way for the advancement of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), a highly precise form of radiotherapy that delivers targeted doses of radiation directly to the tumour.

What is SBRT?

SBRT is a non-invasive cancer treatment that does not require any surgical incisions. During the procedure, the patient lies comfortably and breathes normally while pre-planned treatment is administered. The machine scans and delivers focused radiation to the targeted tumour at a predetermined location in the body to destroy cancer cells.

Technology Behind SBRT

Modern SBRT thrives on technological innovation. At Beacon Hospital, treatment is delivered using the TrueBeam® 4.1 Radiotherapy machine, an upgraded version that can deliver faster and accurate radiation compared to a conventional radiotherapy system.

Key features include:

• Real-time imaging and motion tracking for sub-millimetre precision
• Adaptive radiation fields that match the tumour’s shape and size
• Automatic safety control that pauses treatment if patient movement is detected

Cancers Treated with SBRT

Originally developed to treat brain tumours, SBRT is now widely used for other cancers, including:

• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lymph node cancer
• Spinal tumours
• Prostate cancer

SBRT vs Conventional Radiotherapy

Compared to conventional radiotherapy, SBRT delivers high-intensity radiation beams that destroy malignant cells in fewer sessions, helping to reduce treatment time and discomfort for suitable patients.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Today, SBRT is regarded as one of the advanced radiotherapy techniques used for suitable cancer cases. In modern oncology, SBRT offers a combination of precision, efficiency, and improved treatment convenience for selected patients.