Stereotactic radiation therapy
Stereotactic Radiation Therapy
Stereotactic radiation therapy (pronunciation: steh-ree-oh-TAK-tik ray-dee-AY-shun ther-uh-pee) is a type of radiation therapy that uses detailed imaging techniques to deliver precise radiation doses to a malignant tumor or specific areas within the tumor.
Etymology
The term "stereotactic" is derived from the Greek words "stereos" meaning three-dimensional, and "taxis" meaning arrangement. It refers to the three-dimensional coordinate system that enables precise localization and targeting.
Procedure
Stereotactic radiation therapy involves the use of multiple radiation beams that are aimed at the tumor from different directions. This approach minimizes the amount of radiation that healthy tissues receive, while maximizing the dose to the tumor. The procedure may be performed in a single session (stereotactic radiosurgery) or over several sessions (fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy).
Related Terms
- Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- Tumor: An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function.
- Radiosurgery: A type of radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position the patient and direct the radiation to a specific area.
- Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy: A type of stereotactic radiation therapy that is given over several sessions.
See Also
- External Beam Radiation Therapy
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stereotactic radiation therapy
- Wikipedia's article - Stereotactic radiation therapy
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