“I couldn’t have asked for a better team or facility to go to. Everyone was so sweet and genuinely kind.”
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
This treatment methods delivers a potent, highly focused dose of radiation to the tumor(s) while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. This ultra-precise way of delivering radiation offers an alternative for patients who are not candidates for conventional surgery.
Higher doses focused on the target cause tumors to shrink by damaging the targeted cells. The damaged cells lose their ability to grow and reproduce. SBRT is delivered in as little as one to five days.
Benefits of SBRT include:
Short treatment duration
Little to no pain
No cutting or stitching
Minimal side effects
Precise treatment delivery
Non-surgical
What to expect
Pre-Treatment
Treatment Planning
You will have a CT scan, PET scan or MRI to create a personalized treatment plan. A specialized team, including your oncologist, will use 3D images and special computer software to establish the precise contours for each tumor and any regions of risk (sensitive organs or structures). Your physician will decide how much radiation the tumor should receive and the appropriate pattern, position and intensity of the radiation beam will be calculated.
Treatment Schedule
Radiation treatments happen Monday through Friday for a number of weeks, usually for 5-8 weeks. Weekend breaks, on Saturday and Sunday, allow your normal cells to recover and assist your healing process.
Pre-Treatment Markings
Ink marks or small tattoo-like dots may be placed on your skin in the area of the tumor to ensure the radiation is precisely delivered to the tumor. The markings are visible on your skin, but only in the area of the tumor and are not permanent. They are designed to fade and will begin to disappear towards the end of your radiation treatments. Occasionally, the markings will have to be reapplied to your skin during treatment. It is very important that you do not scrub the markings, during your bathing/showering. Your radiation therapist will discuss with you how to care for your skin during your treatments, including protecting the markings. You may also need a custom-fitted molded device to help keep you in the same position before and during treatment.
Day of Treatment
Day of Treatment
Our radiation therapists will bring you from the waiting room to the treatment room with the linear accelerator (radiation machine). They will ensure you are comfortable and assist you in getting positioned on the treatment table.
Preparing Treatment Equipment
Our therapist will align the laser to the target on your skin, indicated by the “tattoo-like” markings. Alignment takes only a couple of minutes. The therapist will leave the room to deliver and monitor your treatment.
Treatment
During treatment, the machine will move around your body. You won’t feel anything. It’s much like having an x-ray. Sometimes the specific area of skin receiving treatment, can get tender and sunburned, your healthcare team will want to know if you are experiencing any burning or discomfort during your treatment. Your healthcare team will guide you with proper care of your skin.
Treatment Time
Typically the treatment takes about 10-15 minutes.
Post-Treatment
Potential Side Effects
The most common side effect is fatigue – it is very important to get plenty of rest and adequate nutrition. Generally, you will see your doctor weekly. We are always available if you need us.
Why choose Imperial Valley Radiation Oncology and South Bay Radiation Oncology?
We know you have a choice about where you get your cancer care. Here are the top reasons why we believe our centers are the best choice:
- Our doctors are specially trained and board certified.
- Our medical, technical and support staff are experts at what they do.
- We work as one team that is closely coordinated, with one focus.
- Our treatment plans follow national guidelines.
- We treat patients like they are our family.
- We keep close tabs on your physical and emotional well-being because we care about quality of life.
Your unique and personal experience
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is emotional, scary, overwhelming and can make you feel like you’ve lost control. Your cancer and the way you respond to treatments are individual and personal. Most people know about cancer through the experience of someone else, often a family member or friend. There are many types of cancer and other people’s experiences will not be the same as yours. We encourage you to express your emotions, ask questions and allow us to teach you how to be an advocate for yourself.
Several cancers today have excellent outcomes and can be cured with new technologies and advancements. In other cases, treatments may be given which either extend or maintain your quality of life. The first step to regaining control and alleviating much of your anxiety is to educate yourself about your cancer. Few cancers require emergency treatment so you have time to learn about your diagnosis and treatment options. We encourage you to ask questions and seek additional medical information.
There are many websites with information about cancer. In addition to our site, we recommend using reliable sources, including The American Cancer Society and The National Cancer Institute.
