SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery)
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive radiation therapy technique that delivers a highly precise and intense dose of radiation to a well-defined target in the brain or other parts of the body. Despite the name, SRS is not a surgical procedure; instead, it uses advanced imaging and computerized planning to deliver radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy.
Here's how SRS works:
Precise Targeting: SRS utilizes high-resolution imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, or angiography to precisely locate the target area in the body. Three-dimensional imaging is used to accurately map the position, size, and shape of the tumor or abnormality.
Stereotactic Guidance: SRS relies on stereotactic principles to ensure accurate delivery of radiation to the target volume. Stereotactic frames, masks, or immobilization devices are used to precisely position the patient and align the radiation beams with the target, minimizing the risk of error.
High-Dose Radiation: SRS delivers a highly focused and intense dose of radiation to the target volume in a single session or a few fractions. The radiation is carefully sculpted to conform to the shape of the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues from unnecessary exposure.
Treatment Planning: Treatment planning for SRS involves sophisticated computer algorithms that optimize the delivery of radiation based on the size, shape, and location of the target, as well as nearby critical structures. The goal is to maximize tumor control while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Motion Management: SRS is particularly effective for treating small, well-defined tumors or abnormalities that are stationary or minimally mobile. Techniques such as frameless image-guided radiosurgery or real-time tumor tracking may be used to account for any motion during treatment delivery.
SRS can be used to treat various conditions, including:
Brain Tumors: SRS is commonly used to treat primary brain tumors such as meningiomas, gliomas, and metastatic brain tumors. It can also be used to treat benign tumors such as acoustic neuromas and pituitary adenomas.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): SRS is an effective treatment option for AVMs, abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain that can cause seizures, headaches, or bleeding.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: SRS can provide relief for patients with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain.
Benefits of SRS include:
Non-Invasive: SRS is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require incisions or anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications and promoting quicker recovery.
High Precision: SRS delivers radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy, allowing for precise targeting of tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Minimal Disruption: SRS typically requires only a single session or a few fractions of treatment, minimizing disruption to the patient's daily life.
High Treatment Efficacy: SRS provides excellent tumor control rates, with outcomes comparable to surgery for many conditions.
SRS is performed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, medical physicists, and radiation therapists. It offers a safe, effective, and convenient treatment option for patients with brain tumors and other conditions amenable to stereotactic radiation therapy.
