Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): An Overview:

Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers high doses of radiation precisely to brain tumors, sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It's a non-surgical procedure commonly used for inoperable lesions and post-operative treatment of arteriovenous malformations.

stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT):

• Used for various cancers including pediatric, bladder, lung, head and neck, pancreatic, liver, and kidney cancers.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS):

• Primarily for spinal and brain cancers.

Equipment Used:

Linear Accelerator (LINAC):

• Delivers high-energy x-ray electrons or photons, suitable for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy.

Gamma Knife:

• Utilizes 201 highly focused gamma rays for precise treatment of small to medium-sized lesions.

Procedure:

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using Linear Accelerator (LINAC):

Imaging:

• Initial imaging to locate the tumor.
• Computerized Dose Planning:
• Treatment plan is created.

Head Frame Placement:

• Stabilizes the head during treatment.

Radiation Delivery:

• Beams delivered from various angles using LINAC gantry, effective for large tumors.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using Gamma Knife:

Head Frame Placement:

• Lightweight frame attached to the skull to immobilize the head.

Imaging:

• MRI or CT scan to precisely locate the tumor.

Computerized Dose Planning:

• Treatment plan generated.

Radiation Delivery:

• Gamma rays targeted through holes in the helmet, monitored by the physician.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, whether delivered via LINAC or Gamma Knife, offers precise and effective treatment for brain tumors, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours and allows for swift recovery post-treatment.