Stereotactic radiosurgery

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Stereotactic radiosurgery is a form of radiation therapy that focuses high-powered x-rays on a small area of the body.

With regular radiation therapy treatment, the healthy tissue nearby also receives radiation.

Stereotactic radiosurgery better focuses the radiation on the abnormal area.

Despite its name, radiosurgery is a form of radiation therapy, not a surgical procedure.

Gamma knife; Cyberknife; Stereotactic radiotherapy; SRT; Stereotactic body radiotherapy; SBRT; Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy; Cyclotrons; Linear accelerator; Linacs; Proton beam radiosurgery

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During treatment, you will lie on a table, which slides into a machine that delivers radiation beams. The machine may rotate around you while it works.

Sometimes, a head frame may be attached to your scalp to keep you very still during therapy. There are many different machines used to perform stereotactic radiosurgery. Some machines require the use of a frame.

• You may need small pins or anchors that go through your skin, but not into your skull or bone.
• If this is done the area will be cleaned, your skin will be numbed and you may be given medicine to help you relax. You will be awake and able to talk.

At other times, a special plastic mask that is fitted for your face may be used.

An MRI, MR angiography, or CT scan is then done to help plan the procedure. You will wait while your doctor reviews the results and plans your treatment. Sometimes, the scans are scheduled a few days in advance.

During the actual treatment, you will be alone in the room. The nurses and doctors will be able to see you on cameras, and hear you and talk with you on microphones.

The radiation usually takes only about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some patients may receive more than one treatment session, but usually no more than five sessions.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is often used to slow down the growth of small, deep brain tumors that are hard to remove during surgery. Such therapy may also be used in patients who are unable to have surgery, such as the elderly or those who are very sick. Radiosurgery may also be used after surgery to treat any remaining abnormal tissue.