Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)

We are the first center in the region to use a high-precision mapping system to maximize radiation treatment benefits in less time. Fewer treatment sessions can help you live more of your life on your own terms.

What is stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)?

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an advanced type of external radiation therapy. 

It uses a machine called a linear accelerator and other tools to deliver high doses of radiation precisely where needed to destroy cancer cells. 

SBRT: What to expect

Many patients experience few side effects from SBRT therapy. Some people, especially lung cancer patients, report having no side effects at all.

Increased precision means external beam radiotherapy treatments that used to take several weeks (up to nine weeks in some cases) can now be completed in five or fewer treatments.

For some disease sites, it is important to undergo a procedure before SBRT to ensure high precision and protection of nearby organs and tissue. Sometimes, this involves placing tiny non-radioactive pellets (fiducial markers) to track the tumor location.

In prostate cancer, the physician uses ultrasound guidance to place a hydrogel rectal spacer to move the rectum away from the prostate. This protects the rectum and reduces some of the side effects of radiotherapy. The rectal spacer stays in place for three months before being absorbed by your body and secreted in your urine.

You should know that no radiation remains in your body after treatment. After treatment ends, you can resume normal activities with no fear of exposing people around you to radiation.

Read more radiation therapy FAQs.

How to talk to your doctor about SBRT

If your doctor recommends SBRT as part of your treatment plan, you may have many questions. Our team has answers and empathy. 

A member of our team will sit down with you before your first treatment to help you prepare. We will explain what you can expect and address all your questions so you can feel confident in the path forward.

Our team approach to cancer treatment means many leading medical minds play a part in your care. Regular discussions among cancer doctors with different specialties ensure we recommend therapies most appropriate for your circumstances, coordinated to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time.

Why choose us for SBRT?

Our specialists use SBRT (sometimes called stereotactic ablative radiation therapy, or SABR) to treat many different cancers in adults. You can access a comprehensive range of radiation therapy services under one roof at Mays Cancer Center.

Highlights of our program include: 

• Leading cancer expertise: As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in Central and South Texas, you can trust us to follow leading science and cancer research. By participating in national and local clinical trials, we offer eligible patients promising therapies before they are widely available. Learn more about our NCI designation.
• Focused training: Our radiation oncologists specialize in treating certain cancer types. This additional training means we regularly treat advanced or complex cases that some doctors rarely see.
• Commitment to excellence: We continually pursue new advances and refined techniques so we can deliver precise, personalized care. For example, we use surface imaging and mapping tools to effectively treat cancer in fewer treatment sessions, often with fewer side effects.

Cancers we treat with SBRT

Your doctor may recommend SBRT in combination with other radiation therapies or cancer treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. 

Our doctors have expertise in using SBRT to treat:

• Adrenal tumors
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Spinal tumors
• Breast cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver tumors
• Oligometastes 

Learn more about stereotactic treatment in other parts of the body.