Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-surgical radiation therapy used to treat functional abnormalities and small tumors of the brain. It can deliver precisely-targeted radiation in fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy, which can help preserve healthy tissue. When Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used to treat body tumors, it’s called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
For what Stereotactic radiosurgery is used?
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is not a surgery in the traditional sense because there is no incision. Instead, Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses 3-D imaging to target high doses of radiation towards the affected area with minimal impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Like other forms of radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery works by destroying the DNA of the targeted cells. The affected cells then lose the ability to reproduce, which causes tumors to shrink.
Types of stereotactic radiosurgery
Three types of technology are used to deliver radiation during stereotactic radiosurgery.
- Linear accelerator (LINAC) machines use X-rays (photons) to treat cancerous and noncancerous abnormalities in the brain and other parts of the body. LINAC machines are also known by the brand name of the manufacturer, such as CyberKnife, Axesse, Novalis Tx, True Beam and X-Knife. These machines can perform Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in a single session or over three to five sessions for larger tumors, which is called fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy.
- Gamma Knife machines use 192 or 201 small beams of gamma rays to target and treat cancerous and noncancerous brain abnormalities. Gamma Knife machines are less common than LINAC machines and are used primarily for small to medium tumors and lesions in the brain associated with a variety of conditions.
- Proton beam (charged particle radiosurgery) is the newest type of stereotactic radiosurgery it is available only at a few centers in the world. It can treat brain cancers in a single session using stereotactic radiosurgery or use fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy to treat body tumors over several sessions.
What is the approximate cost of Stereotactic radiosurgery in India?
The approximate cost of Stereotactic radiosurgery in India is Rs. 4 lakhs.
Which doctor is to be consulted for Stereotactic radiosurgery?
Radiation Oncologist and Neurosurgeon
FAQ’s
What are the risks of Stereotactic radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery can cause:
In the long term, changes to the brain, spinal cord, and the lungs can occur. Radiation treatments slightly increase the risk of cancer.
How to prepare for Stereotactic radiosurgery?
- The patient will have MRI or CT scan.
- The patient should not use hair creams or sprays.
- Jewelry and other accessories worn by the patient need to be removed before the surgery.
- An intravenous tube may be fitted to the patient’s arm to provide contrast material during the procedure.
- The patient may be given a sedative or anti-nausea agent before the procedure
What is the duration of Stereotactic radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
What is the possible aftercare for Stereotactic radiosurgery?
- The patient should not drive home after the procedure.
- Arrangements should be made for someone to drive the patient home.
- The patient should consult the doctor about any side effects experienced after the procedure.