Understanding Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Important Information
A non-invasive medical method called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses precisely targeted radiation to treat various disorders, mainly in the brain and other body regions. SRS does not require any surgical incisions, despite its name. Instead, it does minimal damage to nearby healthy tissue by using tightly concentrated radiation beams to eliminate or damage aberrant tissue.
The principles of operation of stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy are the same. Multiple tiny radiation beams are concentrated onto cancer or other targets using specialised equipment. Each beam passes through tissues with little effect, but when they collide at the target place, a precise radiation dose is given.
In addition to shrinking cancers over time, the high radiation dose administered to the affected area also causes blood vessels to close eventually, depriving the tumour of its blood supply. Stereotactic radiosurgery accuracy means that the surrounding healthy tissues are only slightly harmed. The risk of side effects from radiosurgery is typically lower than that from traditional surgery or radiation therapy.
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Differs From Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Both stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) use exact and concentrated radiation delivery to target particular body parts. The target is precisely located using cutting-edge imaging equipment in all methods, and radiation is delivered with high precision. The primary distinctions between SRS and SRT are the treatment goal and the number of treatment sessions.
SRS is frequently used for ailments that call for a single, intense radiation treatment, frequently carried out in a single session. Small to medium-sized brain cancers and other localised abnormalities are frequently treated with it.
On the other hand, SRT describes administering radiation therapy throughout several fractions or sessions. It is frequently used for more significant targets or situations where the therapy must be spread to reduce adverse effects and protect neighbouring healthy tissues.
SRT is not just for the brain; it can also treat tumours and other diseases in other body sections. SRS and SRT use stereotactic methods to offer precise radiation therapy. However, SRS usually comprises a single high-dose treatment session, whereas SRT is administered throughout several fractions or sessions.
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy
Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) is a precise and targeted form of radiation therapy in which high-dose radiation is delivered to a specific body area. It is used to treat tumours and other abnormal growths, particularly in the brain and other regions of the body.
Here are some essential things to remember about stereotactic radiation therapy:
1. Exact Treatment
In SRT, advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, are employed to precisely detect the target area and administer highly focused radiation beams. The treatment reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissues while increasing the dose to the chosen target.
2. Treatment Strategy
Medical personnel thoroughly review the patient’s medical history and diagnostic pictures before SRT. They develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes the proper radiation dose, the quantity and angles of radiation beams, and the overall therapy period.
3. Methods Of Delivery
SRT can be given via devices like Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and LINAC-based systems. These systems employ sophisticated equipment to deliver radiation to the target location accurately.
4. Outpatient Surgery
Like stereotactic radiosurgery, SRT is frequently performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. The surgery is painless, and patients usually remain awake throughout.
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Treatment Sessions
The number of treatment sessions for stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) might vary based on various criteria, such as the treatment condition, the target size and location, and the medical team’s exact treatment protocol.
Here are some general considerations for SRT treatment sessions:
1. Individual Session
A single SRT session may be adequate in some cases. This is known as single-fraction treatment, which involves delivering the entire radiation dose in a single session. This method is typically employed for smaller targets or when a high radiation dose must be delivered in a single treatment.
2. Treatment In Fractions
The total prescribed radiation dose is delivered over numerous treatment sessions in fractionated SRT. Instead of administering the full dose simultaneously, the total is broken into smaller parts and supplied over days or weeks.
This permits healthy tissues to recuperate between treatment sessions and is more effective for more significant targets or circumstances where neighbouring important structures must be avoided.
3. Treatment Plan
The fractionated SRT treatment schedule can vary greatly depending on the case. It may entail daily treatment sessions (Monday through Friday) stretched out over a few weeks or fewer sessions spread out over a more extended period. The treatment schedule is created based on the individual patient’s needs and the treatment goals.
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