Fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS or SBRT) allows the administration of an even higher dose of radiation to brain lesions in very few sessions, thus preserving the structure and function of neighboring healthy cells as much as possible. It is performed by a dose per fraction that cannot cause damage to healthy tissues but accumulates in the diseased tissues, preventing the appearance of sequels or complications. It is applied mainly when the lesion is very close to especially critical structures such as the brain stem, optic nerves, chiasm or pituitary gland.
It is usually used to treat brain and neck tumors but also in the spine, abdomen, liver, lung or prostate for both malignant and benign tumors of small or medium size. In conclusion, it is advisable in the cases of tumors difficult to reach, located in the vicinity of vital organs or key anatomical regions and that are subject to movement within the body.
How is this treatment administered?
This treatment of fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery depends on several technological systems. Firstly, the 3D localization images that allow determining the exact coordinates to locate and detect the shape and dimensions of the tumor. In addition, the systems that position and mobilize the patient’s body and keep it immobile during surgery must also be used. Furthermore, there is radiation targeting the tumor, which serves to eliminate it.
We also have image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) to make treatment planning more accurate and precise. Each treatment session is administered using the IMRT technique, which does not only adapt the shape of the irradiation field to the tumor shape with sub-millimetric accuracy but also offers a variable intensity of irradiation beam in each field, adapting to the anatomical characteristics of the tumor and normal structures.
During the treatment, the IMOR Institute uses thermoplastic masks for the immobilization of the patient to maintain the exact position of the patient for carrying out the treatment. To control this position, an infrared camera system that detects the position changes less than 1 mm and/or exceeding tenths of a second.
In addition, the latest technological improvements ensure fewer side effects, which contributes to better mental and physical health, enabling a better recovery. If you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us.