Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a highly advanced, non-surgical, and specialized type of radiation therapy. It employs multiple and non-coplanar photon rays to treat tumor in other parts of the body. Using 3D imaging and localization tools, we may deliver high-precision radiation to confined lesions or well-defined malignant or non-cancerous tumors. It is also known as stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT).

Certain medical disorders, such as brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trigeminal neuralgia, or other anatomic anomalies, are frequently treated using SRS. Generally, two to five sessions of SRT radiation are administered over a period of one or two weeks. Another kind of treatment is stereotactic radiosurgery. It is done in a single session only.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery Types

There are three types of technology used to deliver radiation during this process.

1. Gamma Knife

• A photon-based radiosurgery system used to treat brain neoplasm and brain abnormalities. Compared to LINAC devices, these machines are less widespread and are mostly utilized for small to medium-sized brain tumors and lesions linked to a number of different illnesses.

2. Linear Accelerator

• It is also called LINAC. This machine help in treating various problems in the brain and other regions of the body. With the help of x-rays both malignant and noncancerous are treated. These machines can administer SRS, also known as fractionated stereotactic radiation, in a single session or over the course of three to five sessions for larger tumors. 

3. Proton Therapy

• Brain tumors can be treated with proton beam therapy employing stereotactic radiosurgery in a single session. Additionally, it can treat body cancers over a number of sessions using fractionated stereotactic radiation.

How Does It Work?

Many small radiation beams are focused on a tumor or other target by the specialized equipment. Although each beam hardly affects the tissue, it travels through the location where all of the beams converge and receives a specific radiation dose.

After treatment, the tumor loses its blood supply as a result of the high radiation dose that is administered to the affected area, which causes the tumors to shrink and blood vessels to close off over time. Because SRS is so precise, the surrounding healthy tissues sustain little harm. When compared to other forms of normal surgery or radiation therapy, radiosurgery typically carries a lower risk of adverse effects.

Various Conditions That Can Be Treated With SRS

SRS can be used to treat various conditions. These are listed below:

Brain tumor

• Both brain neoplasms can be treated using the SRS procedure. Cancers that have spread from another section of the body to the brain may also be treated with this activity.

Tremors

• Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor are two functional neurological health conditions that can be treated with SRS.

Pituitary tumors

• By using radiosurgery, the tumor can be reduced in size and the disturbance of pituitary hormone balance can be declined.

Trigeminal neuralgia

• This chronic pain symptom affects one or both cranial nerves 5. SRS therapy for TN aims to disrupt these pain impulses by targeting the nerve root.

Arteriovenous malformation

• These AVMs are abnormal knots of arteries and veins of the brain. SRS destroys the AVM and causes the affected blood vessels to close off over time.

Acoustic neuroma

• SRS has a low risk of irreparable nerve injury and can either stop or minimize the growth of tumor.

Other cancers

• Cancers of the spine, liver, and lungs can also be treated with SRS. 

Risks of SRS

Following are the risks that are associated with SRS condition:

• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Hair and scalp problems
• Vomiting
• Itchiness 
• Dry skin
• Memory loss
• Concentrating problems
• Numbness
• Hearing loss
• Headache
• Seizures

Stereotactic Radiosurgery Benefits

Here are mentioned some benefits of stereotactic radiosurgery:

• It reduces harm to nearby healthy tissues.
• Less side effects than with traditional radiation treatments
• No incision or opening is necessary for this non-invasive technique.
• This can be used to treat minor or challenging-to-reach brain and spine disorders.
• It reduces the risk of infection.

Treatment Procedure of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in India

Following are the treatment options to treat stereotactic radiosurgery: 

Before the Procedure

The following are some important elements of the planning process:

Medical review

• The medical history of the patient’s is reviewed to confirm that SRS is the appropriate treatment option.

Imaging test

• CT or MRI scans are performed to know the exact location of the tumor. Brain MRIs are recommended for those patients who are suffering from brain tumors or other issues.

Treatment planning

• In order to assess the precise size of the tumor and determine the appropriate radiation dosage, three-dimensional pictures are utilized.

Preparing for the day of treatment

• Patients are informed about the treatment’s expectations, use of immobilization devices and the requirement to remain motionless. They are also given instructions on what to pack for the hospital and what to wear.

During the Procedure

• Both the imaging examinations and the radiosurgery frequently include the anesthesia of children. Individuals might be given a small sedative to help relax, although adults are normally awake.
• In the Gamma knife machine, patients are advised to wear a head mask or frame to keep their head still. In this case, the bed moves to and fro inside the machine, and the machine is stable. 
• The Gamma knife process may take up to 4 hours. It totally depends on the shape and size of the tumor.
• If treated with LINAC SRS, then the machine rotates and moves around the infected area. Then radiation rays are given from various angles. And this activity may take less than an hour.
• Patients do not feel any radiation and are able to talk with the doctor.

After the Procedure

• If patients have symptoms like pain or nausea, ask for medicines to treat them.
• Individuals are able to eat and drink after the procedure.
• Patients can go home the same day.
• People can usually get back to regular activities within a day or two.

Results

Treatment with stereotactic body radiation has long-term effects. The following outcomes are possible with SBRT:

• Tumors, which are not cancerous, can shrink over the course of 18 months to 2 years. Preventing the growth of mild tumors is the primary objective of treatment.
• Within a few months, cancerous tumors may decrease more quickly.