Discovering Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Precision in Treating Tumors
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a groundbreaking non-invasive procedure that offers precise, high-dose radiation therapy to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the brain and spine. Despite its name, SRS is not a surgical procedure but a highly targeted form of radiation therapy. At ID Cancer Center, we are proud to provide SRS as part of our comprehensive cancer treatment options. This blog post explores what SRS is, how it works, its benefits, and what patients can expect during their treatment journey.
What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)?
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a specialized form of radiation therapy that delivers a single, high dose of radiation to a precise target within the body. It is primarily used to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the brain and spine. The accuracy of SRS allows for the destruction of tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
How Does SRS Work?
SRS utilizes advanced imaging and computer-guided technology to deliver highly focused radiation beams to the target area. Here’s how the process works:
Imaging and Planning: Detailed imaging scans, such as MRI or CT, are used to create a three-dimensional map of the tumor or abnormality. These images help the medical team to accurately define the target and surrounding structures.
Treatment Planning: A team of specialists, including radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and medical physicists, collaborates to develop a customized treatment plan. The plan specifies the exact dose of radiation and the precise angles from which it will be delivered.
Positioning and Immobilization: The patient is carefully positioned on the treatment table using a stereotactic frame or a custom-fitted mask to keep the head still. This immobilization ensures that the radiation is delivered precisely to the target area.
Radiation Delivery: Using a specialized machine, such as a Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, or linear accelerator, multiple radiation beams are directed at the target from different angles. The convergence of these beams at the target area delivers a high dose of radiation, effectively treating the tumor or abnormality.
Benefits of SRS
SRS offers numerous advantages over traditional treatment methods:
Precision: The high level of accuracy in targeting tumors minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, reducing the risk of side effects.
Non-Invasive: As a non-surgical procedure, SRS eliminates the need for incisions, reducing the risk of infection and shortening recovery times.
Convenience: SRS is typically completed in a single session, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.
Effectiveness: SRS is highly effective for treating small to medium-sized tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and other abnormalities in the brain and spine.
Versatility: SRS can be used as a primary treatment or in combination with other therapies, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
What to Expect During SRS
Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a radiation oncologist or neurosurgeon who specializes in SRS. During this visit, the doctor will review the patient's medical history, discuss treatment options, and explain the SRS procedure.
Imaging and Planning: Detailed imaging scans are performed to map the target area. These images are used to develop a precise treatment plan.
Treatment Session: On the day of treatment, the patient is positioned on the treatment table and immobilized using a stereotactic frame or mask. The radiation beams are then delivered to the target area with precision. The session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.
Follow-Up: After the procedure, patients may have follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Additional imaging scans may be conducted to evaluate the response of the tumor or abnormality to the treatment.
Advances in SRS
Technological advancements continue to enhance the precision and effectiveness of SRS. Innovations such as real-time imaging, motion tracking, and adaptive radiotherapy are expanding the capabilities of SRS, making it a viable option for a broader range of patients and conditions.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a groundbreaking non-invasive procedure that offers precise, high-dose radiation therapy to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the brain and spine. Despite its name, SRS is not a surgical procedure but a highly targeted form of radiation therapy. At ID Cancer Center, we are proud to provide SRS as part of our comprehensive cancer treatment options. This blog post explores what SRS is, how it works, its benefits, and what patients can expect during their treatment journey.
What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)?
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a specialized form of radiation therapy that delivers a single, high dose of radiation to a precise target within the body. It is primarily used to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the brain and spine. The accuracy of SRS allows for the destruction of tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
How Does SRS Work?
SRS utilizes advanced imaging and computer-guided technology to deliver highly focused radiation beams to the target area. Here’s how the process works:
Imaging and Planning: Detailed imaging scans, such as MRI or CT, are used to create a three-dimensional map of the tumor or abnormality. These images help the medical team to accurately define the target and surrounding structures.
Treatment Planning: A team of specialists, including radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and medical physicists, collaborates to develop a customized treatment plan. The plan specifies the exact dose of radiation and the precise angles from which it will be delivered.
Positioning and Immobilization: The patient is carefully positioned on the treatment table using a stereotactic frame or a custom-fitted mask to keep the head still. This immobilization ensures that the radiation is delivered precisely to the target area.
Radiation Delivery: Using a specialized machine, such as a Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, or linear accelerator, multiple radiation beams are directed at the target from different angles. The convergence of these beams at the target area delivers a high dose of radiation, effectively treating the tumor or abnormality.
Benefits of SRS
SRS offers numerous advantages over traditional treatment methods:
Precision: The high level of accuracy in targeting tumors minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, reducing the risk of side effects.
Non-Invasive: As a non-surgical procedure, SRS eliminates the need for incisions, reducing the risk of infection and shortening recovery times.
Convenience: SRS is typically completed in a single session, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.
Effectiveness: SRS is highly effective for treating small to medium-sized tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and other abnormalities in the brain and spine.
Versatility: SRS can be used as a primary treatment or in combination with other therapies, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
What to Expect During SRS
Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a radiation oncologist or neurosurgeon who specializes in SRS. During this visit, the doctor will review the patient's medical history, discuss treatment options, and explain the SRS procedure.
Imaging and Planning: Detailed imaging scans are performed to map the target area. These images are used to develop a precise treatment plan.
Treatment Session: On the day of treatment, the patient is positioned on the treatment table and immobilized using a stereotactic frame or mask. The radiation beams are then delivered to the target area with precision. The session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.
Follow-Up: After the procedure, patients may have follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Additional imaging scans may be conducted to evaluate the response of the tumor or abnormality to the treatment.
Advances in SRS
Technological advancements continue to enhance the precision and effectiveness of SRS. Innovations such as real-time imaging, motion tracking, and adaptive radiotherapy are expanding the capabilities of SRS, making it a viable option for a broader range of patients and conditions.
