Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) Questions and Answers

UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre is the only provider of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment in Munster.

Q: What are stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy and why are they so effective at treating solid tumours?

A: Our ability to deliver high-intensity, focused radiation to deep-seated targets within the body has evolved over time.

Stereotactic radiosurgery targets tumours of the brain, usually in three treatment sessions. Stereotactic body radiotherapy targets tumours in other body parts and organs that may be in close proximity to normal surrounding tissues. We also use the term stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR), which is another name for SBRT.

All these terms describe pinpointed doses of radiation that closely conform to the tumour's shape. This precision limits the radiation dose to surrounding tissues.

Q: What types of solid tumour cancer treatment might benefit from combining therapies?

A: It seems likely that most if not all solid tumours might potentially have better outcomes with stereotactic radiosurgery and sterotactic body radiotherapy.

Q: What is UPMC's history with innovation in cancer treatments?

A: In the U.S. during the early 1980s, UPMC helped pioneer the Gamma Knife®, which delivers highly focused radiation or SRS to brain tumours. Later, UPMC obtained the third CyberKnife® system to ever be developed. With the CyberKnife, we were able to take what we learned in the brain and apply it to new targets like head and neck, lung, pancreas, and spine tumours.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre is backed by this international health network, which is bringing world class care to Ireland.

If you have any questions, contact UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre.