What to expect from stereotactic body radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer

The radiotherapy team uses scans to map the lung tumour and nearby organs. You may have a planning appointment with a mould, cushion or other support to help you keep the same position. The team may assess breathing motion and ask you to breathe in a particular way or briefly hold your breath.

During each session, you lie still while the treatment machine moves around you. The beam is shaped to the planned target; treatment itself is not felt. Sessions are usually brief, but positioning and checks take additional time. Common effects include tiredness, cough, chest discomfort or skin irritation. Lung inflammation can appear later and may cause a new or worsening cough or breathlessness.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow instructions about food, medicines and arrival. Tell the team if lying flat is difficult or if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device. Take prescribed medicines as directed and keep a record of cough, chest pain, temperature and breathing changes.

Rest when tired but continue gentle activity if able. Protect irritated skin from friction and heat, and use only products recommended by the radiotherapy team. Attend imaging and review appointments: scans help the team distinguish treatment-related changes from the tumour’s response.

Contact the radiotherapy team promptly for worsening breathlessness, a persistent or increasing cough, fever, chest pain, coughing blood, difficulty swallowing or marked weakness. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion or sudden collapse. Tell the team about symptoms even if they begin after the final session.

Ask why this technique is suitable for your tumour, how breathing will be managed, how many visits are planned, which side effects may occur later, when the first follow-up scan is expected, and whom to call overnight for breathing symptoms.