Stereotactic Radiosurgery or Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy

What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy?

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (FSRT) are advanced, minimally invasive radiation therapy techniques used to treat various conditions within the brain, spine, and other parts of the body. Despite the term "surgery," SRS is a non-surgical procedure that delivers precise, high doses of radiation to a targeted area, while FSRT delivers smaller doses over multiple sessions, reducing the impact on surrounding healthy tissues. These methods are effective for treating tumours, vascular abnormalities, and certain neurological disorders.

Types of Stereotactic Radiation Therapies

Both SRS and FSRT encompass a variety of techniques and applications, each tailored to the patient’s condition and specific treatment goals. Common types include:

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS):

• Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Primarily used for brain conditions, Gamma Knife focuses highly precise beams of radiation on a target area, minimising damage to healthy tissue.

• Linear Accelerator (LINAC)-Based Radiosurgery: This versatile system treats conditions in the brain, spine, and other parts of the body by delivering focused radiation.

• CyberKnife Radiosurgery: A robotic system capable of treating both intracranial and extracranial targets with high precision.

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (FSRT):

• Hypofractionated FSRT: Involves delivering higher doses of radiation over fewer sessions, often used for larger tumours or lesions near sensitive structures.

• Standard FSRT: Administers smaller radiation doses over more sessions, making it suitable for treating tumours close to critical organs or nerves.

Benefits of Stereotactic Radiosurgery and FSRT

SRS and FSRT offer several advantages compared to traditional radiation therapies and invasive surgeries, including:

• High Precision: The focused delivery of radiation spares healthy surrounding tissue, reducing side effects.

• Minimally Invasive: Both procedures are non-surgical, avoiding the risks associated with traditional surgery.

• Shorter Treatment Time: SRS is typically completed in a single session, while FSRT requires multiple, shorter sessions over days or weeks.

• Reduced Recovery Time: Patients can often resume normal activities quickly following treatment.

• Effective for Inoperable Conditions: These therapies are ideal for treating tumours or abnormalities in locations that are difficult or unsafe to access surgically.

Symptoms and Conditions Treated with SRS and FSRT

SRS and FSRT are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Brain Tumours: Both malignant (e.g., glioblastomas, metastases) and benign (e.g., meningiomas, pituitary adenomas) tumours.

• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain or spine.

• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition caused by nerve compression, effectively treated by targeting the nerve with focused radiation.

• Spinal Lesions: Tumours or abnormalities affecting the spinal cord or vertebrae.

• Metastatic Cancer: Cancer that has spread to the brain, spine, or other areas, where SRS or FSRT provides effective palliative care.

Diagnosis and Treatment Process

Diagnosis: A comprehensive evaluation is essential to determine if SRS or FSRT is appropriate. Diagnostic steps include:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: To assess symptoms and overall health.

• Imaging Studies: MRI, CT, or PET scans are used to pinpoint the exact location, size, and characteristics of the target area.

• Functional Assessments: For conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or AVMs, tests may be conducted to evaluate nerve function or blood flow.

Treatment: The process for SRS and FSRT typically involves the following steps:

• Pre-Treatment Planning: Advanced imaging is combined with specialised software to create a detailed treatment plan tailored to the patient’s anatomy and condition.

• Immobilisation and Positioning: A custom head frame or mask is used to ensure precise targeting during the procedure. For FSRT, this setup is repeated for each session.

• Radiation Delivery: High-energy radiation beams are directed at the target area with pinpoint accuracy. SRS delivers the treatment in a single session, while FSRT spreads it over several sessions.

• Post-Treatment Monitoring: Follow-up appointments and imaging are conducted to monitor the treatment's effectiveness and address any side effects.

Conclusion

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (FSRT) provide safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment options for a wide range of conditions. By delivering precise radiation therapy, these methods minimise risks, reduce recovery time, and improve patient outcomes. If you or a loved one are exploring options for managing tumours, vascular abnormalities, or other complex conditions, schedule a consultation with us today.