Comparing Between Stereotactic Radiosurgery & Radiotherapy

Medically reviewed by Dr Johann Tang, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic  radiotherapy (SBRT) are highly effective in treating specific types of tumours. Learn more about stereotactic-based treatment as well as the differences between these two radiation treatment methods.

What is stereotactic treatment?

Stereotactic treatments such as stereotactic radiosurgery or stereotactic body radiotherapy (sbrt) are different radiation treatment modalities that utilise specialised equipment to position the patient and deliver a precise dose of radiation to destroy tumour cells. Compared to conventional forms of EBRT, stereotactic treatments utilise a precise targeting and delivery approach to locate tumour cells which are often located deep within a patient’s body. From there, radiation oncologists are able to precisely calculate and control  the optimal radiation dose, compensating for minor respiratory motion, with help from sophisticated software.

Stereotactic treatments offer numerous advantages to patients. These include using non invasive radiotherapy treatments instead of surgery, reduced treatment sessions, lesser damage to healthy surrounding tissues, fewer and milder side effects compared to standard conventional EBRT. They can also be used to treat non-cancerous conditions as well, making them a valued treatment tool.

How do stereotactic radiotherapy and Stereotactic radiosurgery differ?

SBRT radiotherapy is usually used to treat small localised tumor in the body. A key advantage of this treatment method is that it allows for large doses of radiation to be delivered in a few sessions (usually 3 to 5 sessions) and each session can range from 10 to 20 minutes in duration. This means that patients can enjoy a shortened overall treatment timeline compared to conventional radiotherapy,  allowing them to return to normal life swiftly.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, or SRS, also utilises highly precise beams of radiation to treat small and localised tumours in the brain. SRS is frequently completed within a single outpatient treatment session, while SBRT radiotherapy is across a few sessions. 

SRS can also be used to treat non-cancerous conditions, such as meningioma,  trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous malformations.

Stereotactic radiosurgery comes in two modalities: Framed and Frameless. Framed SRS is usually used on Gamma Knife machines, and is a minimally-invasive procedure which involves the securing of a metal headframe onto the patient’s skull using screws. Frameless SRS is a newer non invasive option normally used on LINAC based machines. It does not involve any screws, instead uses a thermoplastic mask to secure the patient’s head position. The major advantage of frameless is that it provides the same accuracy and efficacy of treatment, while avoiding any invasive procedures to the patient skull. This provides greater comfort while still providing the same effective treatment for patients.

Looking for a reputable clinic for either SBRT radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery? Get in touch with us today to arrange for an appointment and treatment.