SBRT side effects may include both short- and long-term symptoms.
Short-term side effects may include nausea, fatigue, and swelling at the radiation site.
The best candidates for SBRT are people with well-defined, small tumors who cannot have conventional surgery.
Michael Goodyear / Wikimedia Commons
Primary Tumor
SBRT is typically used for treating inoperableearly-stage lung cancers.
This is usually done over one or more sessions in advance of the scheduled procedure.
These can be removed at a later date with laser skin treatments if desired.
Once the coordinates are mapped and the radiation dose is calculated, SBRT can proceed as scheduled.
Other times, set-ups are scheduled a week or two in advance.
Some people may only require one session; others may require up to eight sessions over consecutive days.
It may take longer if the treatment facility has a busy schedule.
Some newer models are equipped with a robotic arm.
Leave any jewelry at home.
If you regularly take any medications, let your practitioner know.
In some cases, you may be allowed to take them with a little sip of water.
In others, you may be asked to wait until after the procedure to take them.
To estimate out-of-pocket expenses for the procedure, check your policy for thecopay/coinsurance costsbefore and after yourdeductible is met.
Most insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost.
If you have already met yourannual out-of-pocket maximum, the entire cost of your procedure may be covered.
Always ensure that the radiology unit and staff arein-internet providers.
Likewise, dentures must also be removed, so bring a case for them if you wear them.
Other Considerations
Most radiology units advise against driving yourself home after an SBRT.
Pre-tests scans are reviewed either by the radiation oncologist or an on-site radiologist.
The session itself is performed by a highly trainedradiation therapistwith the assistance of a radiation nurse.
They will also check that you adhered to the recommended food and drug restrictions.
You will then be escorted to a separate room to undergo a low-dose CT scan.
This is done before each session to double-check that your position and the area being treated are correct.
The nurse will then take you to the procedure room where you will have your SBRT.
You may be offered anti-anxiety or anti-nausea medications to help ease your symptoms.
In most cases, your arms will be folded behind your head.
Your gown may be opened to reveal the tattoo marks.
Pillows and bolsters may be used to keep you comfortable and in the correct position.
Throughout the Procedure
The procedure requires you to lie completely still for protracted periods of time.
At times, you will be asked to hold your breath.
Once the procedure begins, you will not feel anything.
If you need a break due to discomfort or for some other reason, tell the therapist.
You should eat as soon as you’re able to.
The risk of side effects from SBRT is closely linked to the total amount of radiation received.
These may include:
Interpreting Results
The tumor should graduallyshrinkover the course of months after SBRT.
Before treatment, imaging and a custom mold help ensure accurate targeting.
An indepth look at patient characteristics on both sides of the debate.Thorac Cancer.
Avkshtol V, Dong Y, Hayes SB.
Am J Clin Oncol.
2024 Mar 1;47(3):99-104. doi: 10.1097/COC.0000000000001064.
Epub 2023 Nov 20.
