Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Prostate Cancer
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an advanced image guided technique that delivers large doses of radiation to a precise area, such as the prostate. Because there are large doses of radiation in each fraction, the entire course of treatment is given over just a few days as opposed to conventional radiation treatment which typically involves daily treatments over 8-9 weeks. This is accomplished by delivering a higher dose per day, which requires significant precision and accuracy with expertise from the treating radiation oncologist as well as a team of medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, and radiation therapists.
SBRT begins with one or more sessions of treatment planning with CT, MRI or other advanced imaging techniques to precisely map the position of the tumor. The images are used to customize a treatment plan that determines beam intensity and positioning specifically for each patient. SBRT treatments are delivered through a device called the linear accelerator, which forms beams of radiation to match the exact outline of the prostate tumor target. During this minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, patients are awake and lying on a table. Imaging technology on the linear accelerator ensures you are in same position for every session to allow for precision treatment and reduced side effects. SBRT treatments take 30 minutes to an hour. With SBRT, the high dose of radiation delivered to the tumor target provides equivalent treatment outcomes in a shorter time course for eligible patients.
SpaceOAR for SBRT Prostate Treatment
When treating prostate cancer patients with radiation therapy, the goal is to kill the cancer cells while avoiding damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Prior to the radiation treatment, we offer patients SpaceOAR hydrogel treatment, a temporary injectable gel that provides space between the rectum and the prostate, to minimize potential side effects of the radiation, including rectal discomfort, frequency, and urgency. SpaceOAR hydrogel is safe and minimally invasive, remains stable during the SBRT treatments and then is naturally absorbed by the body after the treatment is completed.
SpaceOAR hydrogel may not be covered by all health insurance plans. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine coverage.
Our radiation oncologists collaborate with a team of physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists and nurses to customize treatment plans for every patient.