Stereotactic radiation therapy

Stereotactic radiation therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses detailed imaging to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor or specific areas within the tumor. The term "stereotactic" refers to a three-dimensional coordinate system that enables accurate correlation of a virtual target seen in the patient's imaging with the actual target position in the patient.

History

The concept of stereotactic radiation therapy was first introduced in the 1950s by Lars Leksell, a Swedish neurosurgeon. He developed the first stereotactic frame for neurosurgery, and later applied the same principles to radiation therapy.

Procedure

Stereotactic radiation therapy involves the use of multiple radiation beamlets from many directions, each entering the body through a different skin point. The radiation dose is concentrated at the tumor site, minimizing the dose to the surrounding healthy tissues.

Types

There are two main types of stereotactic radiation therapy: stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). SRS is a non-surgical procedure that delivers a single high-dose of radiation to a small and critically located intracranial tumor. SBRT is a similar method used for treating small tumors in the body, typically in the lung, liver, or spine.

Benefits and Risks

The main benefit of stereotactic radiation therapy is its ability to deliver a high dose of radiation to a precise location, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. However, like all radiation therapies, it carries some risks, including fatigue, skin reactions, and other side effects depending on the area being treated.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Tumor
• Lars Leksell
• Neurosurgery

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