It is technique in which ablative doses of radiation are delivered to the tumour. It uses 3D imaging to target high doses of radiation to the affected area with minimal impact on the surrounding healthy tissue. It does not actually remove the tumor; rather, it damages the DNA of tumour cells.
It can be delivered in single session (Stereotactic Radiosurgery-SRS) or few sessions (Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy-FSRT). It can also be given for subsites like lung, prostate known as Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR). SRS uses multiple, convergent beams of high energy x-rays, gamma rays, or protons, delivered to a discrete, radiographically-defined, treatment volume
These multiple beams are directed at the tumour, even when given from different angles so that the healthy tissues receive a much lower dose in comparison to the target tissues. As a result, the risk of side effects is reduced.
This therapy is non-invasive and does not require the use of anaesthesia or incisions. It is an excellent method of minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues by focusing the radiation beams on the target tissue. It can be used in cases in which tumours are surgically inaccessible or patient is not medically cleared for surgery as well.
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