SRT uses many smaller, thin beams of radiation. The beams are directed from different angles that meet at the tumour. This means that the tumour gets a high dose of radiation, while surrounding healthy tissues get a much lower dose from the individual beams. This lowers the risk of damage to the normal cells.
SRT can be given with fewer treatments than standard radiotherapy. Treatment is normally divided into 1 to 8 sessions. The sessions are spread over a few days, and may take up to 2 weeks. Your doctor or radiographer will explain how many sessions you need and over how many days.
This type of radiotherapy is mainly used to treat very small tumours or a tumour that is in a difficult area to operate on.
SRT is not suitable for everyone. Your consultant can discuss with you whether it is a treatment option for you.
You start with having a CT Planning scan in the radiotherapy department.
You may also have MRI scans or PET scans of the area of your body to be treated.
These scans are used to map your treatment to ensure that all of the cancer is covered by the radiotherapy field and they avoid as much healthy tissue as possible.
This reduces the risk of side effects.