SBRT: A Non-Invasive and Effective Treatment for Cancer

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be wondering what treatment options are available to you. One promising option is called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). SBRT is a type of radiation therapy that uses advanced imaging techniques to deliver high doses of radiation to a specific area of the body with great precision. This targeted approach may offer many benefits over traditional radiation therapy, including higher cure rates and fewer side effects.

What is SBRT for?

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a type of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. It is a non-invasive procedure that delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. SBRT is often used to treat early-stage cancers, such as those found in the lung, liver, prostate, and pancreas. The treatment typically involves a few sessions, and the high precision of the radiation delivery results in fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy. SBRT is a safe and effective treatment option for many types of cancer.

Who is a candidate for SBRT?

The eligibility for SBRT treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the location of the tumor. Generally, SBRT is most commonly used to treat early-stage tumors or tumors that are difficult to reach with surgery. It may also be used as a primary treatment for certain types of cancer, or as a follow-up treatment to surgery or other forms of radiation therapy.

The following criteria may be considered when determining if a patient is a candidate for SBRT:

• Tumor Size: Small to medium-sized tumors are typically more suitable for SBRT, as larger tumors may be more difficult to treat effectively.

• Tumor Location: SBRT is often used for tumors located in areas that are difficult to reach with surgery or traditional radiation therapy, such as the lungs, liver, and pancreas.

• Overall Health: Patients should be in good overall health with a performance status of 0-2 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale, which assesses a patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

• Previous Treatment: SBRT may be used as a primary treatment option for cancer, or as a follow-up treatment after surgery or other forms of radiation therapy.

• Patient Preference: Patients who prefer a non-invasive treatment option and are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery may be good candidates for SBRT.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo SBRT will depend on several factors, and patients should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Benefits of SBRT

SBRT has several benefits for cancer patients, including:

• High Precision: SBRT delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor with sub-millimeter accuracy, which reduces the risk of side effects and damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

• Short Treatment Time: Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which can take several weeks, SBRT typically involves only a few sessions, making it more convenient for patients who may have difficulty undergoing lengthy treatments.

• Fewer Side Effects: Due to its high precision, SBRT reduces the risk of side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy. Patients may experience some fatigue, but these side effects are usually mild and temporary.

• Effective Treatment: SBRT has been shown to be an effective treatment option for many types of cancer, including lung, liver, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. It can also be used as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancers.

• Minimal Invasion: SBRT is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require surgery or incisions, which reduces the risk of infection and minimizes recovery time.

   

Risk of SBRT

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with SBRT. However, studies have shown that the risk of serious complications from SBRT is generally low. The most common side effects of SBRT include fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild and can be managed with medications or lifestyle adjustments. In rare cases, more serious complications such as lung inflammation or bleeding may occur. However, the risk of these complications can be minimized by careful patient selection, accurate treatment planning, and close monitoring during and after treatment. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of SBRT with you before recommending this treatment option.

What to expect during SBRT?

Before SBRT treatment, you will undergo a series of imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to create a detailed map of your cancer and surrounding healthy tissue. This will help your doctor plan the precise location and dosage of the radiation.

During the treatment, you will lie on a table while a machine called a linear accelerator delivers the radiation to the targeted area. The machine will move around your body, delivering beams of high-energy radiation from different angles to maximize the dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

Each session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, and you may need to undergo several sessions over the course of several days or weeks. You will be awake during the treatment and may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to help ensure accuracy.

After the treatment, you may experience some mild side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, or nausea. However, most people are able to resume their normal activities within a few days to a week after the treatment. Your doctor will monitor your progress with follow-up appointments and imaging tests to ensure that the cancer has been effectively treated.

SBRT at Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Asian Hospital and Medical Center in the Philippines offers SBRT as a treatment option for certain types of cancer. Their radiation oncology department uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to deliver precise and effective radiation therapy while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

The hospital’s team of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists work together to create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. They use advanced imaging techniques to create a 3D model of the tumor and surrounding tissues, allowing them to precisely target the radiation beams to the tumor while sparing nearby healthy organs and tissues.

The hospital’s SBRT treatment is administered using the Varian TrueBeam™ linear accelerator, which delivers high doses of radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy. The machine can also adjust to the patient’s breathing patterns, allowing for more precise delivery of the radiation. 

To know more about SBRT or to schedule a consultation with your Asian Hospital Oncologist, please call (02) 8771 9000 local 5913.