What should you know about stereo static radiotherapy?

A planning team combines scans with measurements of the target and nearby organs. The treatment machine then directs beams from multiple angles or uses a focused arc, so the planned dose meets at the target. The method may be used for selected brain, spine, lung, liver or other tumours, depending on size, position, movement and previous treatment.

It is different from an operation because it does not remove the tumour. It may be delivered in one visit or divided into several visits. The team may discuss it for conditions including [Brain Tumour](/conditions/brain-tumour/), [Glioblastoma](/conditions/glioblastoma/), or selected cancers such as [Breast Cancer](/conditions/breast-cancer/) and [Bowel Cancer](/conditions/colorectal-cancer/).

Attend the planning scan and tell the team about implanted devices, medicines, pregnancy possibility and difficulty lying still. A mould, mask or body support may help you keep the same position during each session. Ask how to care for the treated skin and whether your usual medicines should change.

Side effects depend on the treated area and may appear during treatment or later. Fatigue, skin change, swelling or irritation near the target are possible. Your team will arrange follow-up imaging and explain when improvement or tumour control can be assessed.

Contact the treatment service urgently for severe or rapidly worsening headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, seizure, confusion, breathing difficulty, or a sudden change in vision or speech. Report fever, marked skin breakdown or inability to drink so the team can assess you promptly.

Why is this technique suitable for my target? How many visits are planned, and how long does each visit take? Which nearby organs are being protected? What short-term and delayed effects should I watch for? How will this affect other treatments, and when will follow-up scans be reviewed?