How does stereotactic body radiotherapy work?

SBRT, also called SABR, begins with scans that show the tumour and the organs around it. A radiation team uses these images to outline the treatment area, choose beam directions, and calculate a dose that matches the tumour's shape and position. Small adjustments can account for breathing or movement in areas such as the lung.

A linear accelerator produces the radiation beams. The machine moves around you while you remain in a planned position, so radiation can enter from several angles and converge on the target. The treatment is given in a small number of highly focused sessions rather than a long course of daily treatments. Radiation damages the tumour's genetic material; affected cells may stop dividing and are then cleared gradually by the body.

Attend the planning appointment and tell the team about medicines, implants, previous radiation, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and difficulty lying still. Follow the instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and clothing for each session. The treatment itself does not make you radioactive, and the machine does not touch you.

After treatment, keep the follow-up appointments arranged by your oncology team. Tiredness or irritation in the treated area can develop, depending on the body site and the nearby tissues receiving radiation. Contact the team if a symptom is new, worsening, or interfering with eating, drinking, breathing, movement, or sleep.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, new confusion, or weakness that affects one side of the body. Use the emergency service available where you live if symptoms are severe. For less urgent concerns, contact your radiation or oncology team promptly because the right response depends on the treated area and your other conditions.

Ask which tumour features make SBRT suitable, how breathing or movement will be managed, how many visits are planned, which nearby organs need protection, and how treatment response will be checked. You can also ask how SBRT compares with surgery or other radiation approaches for your situation.