Treatments
STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY
What is stereotactic radiotherapy?
Stereotactic radiotherapy is a type of specialised radiation that is administered from many different angles around the body. This procedure involves the use of precisely focused radiation beams to help treat tumours in the brain, neck, liver, lungs, spine and other parts of the body. Stereotactic radiotherapy is unlike traditional surgery because it does not involve making any incisions.
During the procedure, 3D imaging is used to target high doses of radiation administered in the affected area with minimal impact on the surrounding healthy tissue. The affected cells will then lose their ability to reproduce, which then results in the tumours shrinking.
There exists a form of technology that may be used to administer radiation during stereotactic radiotherapy.
- The most commonly used is with a Linear Accelerator (LINAC). It is a machine that involves the use of x-rays that help treat noncancerous and cancerous abnormalities in the brain as well as other parts of the body. LINAC machines can perform stereotactic radiotherapy in 1 session or over 3-5 sessions for larger tumours.
HOW IS STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY ADMINISTERED?
The LINAC machine will move and rotate around the target to administer radiation beams from different angles. The machine will not touch the patient, and each treatment lasts 15-20minutes.
FAQ
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR IF YOU ARE HAVING STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY?
IYou should avoid wearing the following items:
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Jewellery
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Makeup
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Contact lenses
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Dentures
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Wigs or hairpiece
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Nail polish
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Eyeglasses
CAN YOU EAT OR DRINK ON THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE?
Don't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery, and you should talk to your doctor about taking your medication the night before or the morning of the procedure.
WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATED RISKS OF STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY?
Stereotactic radiotherapy is less risky because it doesn’t involve any incisions. Early complications or side effects are normally temporary and may include fatigue, swelling in the brain or near the treatment area, and scalp and hair problems.