June 24, 2017
Used in conjunction with the Varian Linear Accelerator, Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) enables the Marshall Cancer Care Center to use advanced imaging techniques to deliver a targeted radiation dose to a tumor. The radiation focuses on the tumor with millimeter precision, resulting in less damage to healthy tissue. Protecting tissue is important for cancer patients whose tumors are near or in essential organs.
SBRT creates a 3D image of a tumor and matches the radiation to its exact size and shape. Dr. Thomas Payne, radiation oncologist at Marshall Cancer Care, said the technology is used primarily on tumors in the lung, spine, brain and liver. Procuring this important technology is part of Marshall Medical Center’s commitment to provide the very best care to patients.
“I have had the opportunity to be involved with the hospital as we investigated new MRI machines, as well as in choosing the Varian Trilogy linear accelerator for our new cancer center four years ago,” said Cindy Sparkman, director of the Marshall Cancer Care Center. “I have always been impressed by the level of support given by the administration and hospital board in encouraging us to seek the very best in technology for our community. I have found that our hospital system is often ahead of the curve when it comes to new technology to treat our patients.”
SBRT is a non-surgical procedure that delivers radiation at much higher doses in only a single or few treatments as compared to traditional radiation therapy. Three-dimensional imaging, such as CT, MRI and PET/CT, is used to locate the tumor within the body and define its exact size and shape. These images also guide the treatment planning—in which beams of radiation are designed to converge on the target area from different angles and planes—as well as the careful positioning of the patient for therapy sessions.
SBRT is an alternative to invasive surgery, especially for patients who are unable to undergo surgery and for tumors that are hard to reach or located close to vital organs/anatomic regions.
SBRT does not actually remove the tumor. Instead, it damages the DNA of tumor cells causing them to lose their ability to reproduce. Following treatment, benign tumors usually shrink over a period of 18 months to two years. Malignant and metastatic tumors may shrink more rapidly, even within a couple of months.