Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Precision Treatment for Cancer

Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer—it can be used to target cancer cells, relieve symptoms associated with cancer, or prevent cancer from returning. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, hormones, or targeted therapy. 

Radiation therapy uses strong beams of energy to target specific sites of cancer while minimizing the effect on nearby organs and tissue. At Maryland Oncology Hematology, we treat a variety of cancers in different areas of the body with a wide range of radiation therapies. 

In recent years, advancements have led to more precise and targeted treatment options. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) are noninvasive forms of radiation therapy that deliver a large dose of radiation to a small tumor area. SRS is used for brain, not spine (we use SBRT for spine cases), SRS can be used up to 5 fractions (although typical is 1 treatment) depending on the size of the brain tumor.

These techniques are a leap forward in the precision and efficacy of cancer treatment, allowing for high doses of radiation to be delivered with pinpoint accuracy to small, well-defined tumors. ““At Maryland Oncology Hematology, we are proud to offer a range of leading-edge radiation therapy treatments delivered by a team of compassionate experts”, says Dr. Bhooshan.

SBRT and SRS represent leading-edge advancements in radiation therapy, offering patients effective, non-invasive treatment options with reduced side effects and shorter recovery times.

“SRS and SBRT does not make the patient radioactive. Sometimes the information is put out to the public – but most of what the public fears is that they will become radioactive! So the fact that these are targeted XRAYS – and there is no radioactivity involved,” says Dr. Gooch of Maryland Oncology Hematology.

At Maryland Oncology Hematology, we are proud to offer a range of leading-edge radiation therapy treatments delivered by a team of compassionate experts.  For more information about SBRT and SRS or to make an appointment, please visit MarylandOncology.com.