Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery is a type of radiation therapy that combines extremely accurate image-guided tumor targeting with exact patient positioning. This allows higher doses of radiation to be delivered in fewer treatment sessions. SRS is used against tumors in the brain and spinal cord. If you receive SRS, you may be positioned in a head frame or body immobilizer during treatments to minimize your movement and increase the accuracy of the targeting.

Treatments are delivered under image guidance, allowing the team to see any movements in the tumor and adjust the radiation beams as needed. The treatment machines can even adjust for the motion of your breathing, a technique called respiratory gating. The goal is to deliver an effective dosage that is so precisely targeted that it only affects cancerous cells and leaves the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor untouched.

The treatment begins with sophisticated 3D imaging – a CT, MRI or PET/CT scan – that provides the tumor’s precise location, size and shape. Your treatment team uses the imaging to create a computerized 3D treatment plan that determines dosage level and the positioning of the radiation beams. The team will also create a custom head or full body mold to help you stay perfectly still during treatment.

If you are a candidate for Stereotactic Radiosurgery, you will have just one to five treatment sessions rather than the standard five to eight weeks of traditional EBRT treatment. During each session, a Radiation Therapist will carefully position you on the treatment table using a head or full body immobilizer that is custom fit for you. He or she will control the radiation delivery from another room but you will be able to speak with the Therapist throughout the session. He or she will also be able to see you through a special window. The SRS machines are very quiet and you will feel no pain during the session.