Stereotactic Radiotherapy
Stereotactic radiotherapy is a precise and advanced form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer and other medical conditions. It delivers high doses of radiation to a targeted area with exceptional accuracy while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Procedure
The procedure involves the use of advanced imaging technologies, such as CT scans or MRI, to precisely locate the tumor or abnormal tissue. The patient is often immobilized using specialized devices to ensure accurate targeting during treatment. The radiation is then delivered in a few high doses, which can be administered in one session or spread over several days.
Advantages
The main advantages of stereotactic radiotherapy include its high precision, which allows for targeting small tumors or lesions, and its ability to deliver high doses of radiation while reducing damage to nearby healthy tissue. This approach often results in fewer side effects and shorter treatment times compared to conventional radiation therapy.
Applications
Stereotactic radiotherapy is used to treat various conditions, including brain tumors, lung cancer, and other localized cancers. It is also employed in treating non-cancerous conditions like arteriovenous malformations and certain benign tumors.
Outcome
Patients undergoing stereotactic radiotherapy generally experience fewer side effects and quicker recovery times due to the targeted nature of the treatment. The effectiveness and outcome depend on the type, location, and stage of the condition being treated.
