Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Radiotherapy)

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a powerful option for noninvasively treating many brain conditions. We use it for brain tumors and other benign conditions that affect the brain or structures inside the head.

The radiation oncologists at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, are innovators in their field. For example, our specialists developed novel stereotactic radiosurgery techniques to treat multiple brain metastases more easily. 

What is stereotactic radiosurgery?

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a sophisticated type of external beam radiation therapy that treats brain tumors without a single incision, using devices to ensure millimeter precision.

It uses a powerful machine called a linear accelerator to send highly targeted beams of energy directly to a tumor, ablating the target while minimizing the dose to surrounding areas.

Stereotactic radiosurgery: What to expect

Stereotactic radiosurgery can treat certain types of primary and metastatic brain tumors in one to five treatments.

In some cases, doctors use this therapy to destroy a brain tumor in one treatment. Other scenarios may involve up to five total treatments.

Your doctor may also recommend stereotactic radiosurgery to treat certain noncancerous conditions, like trigeminal neuralgia (a rare nerve disorder that causes chronic, excruciating facial pain).

Our experienced doctors often deliver this complex treatment without attaching a neurosurgical frame to the skull, instead using a ‘frameless’ approach that immobilizes patients in a custom-fitted mask.

Many patients experience minimal side effects from stereotactic radiosurgery, with no recovery period.

How to talk to your doctor about stereotactic radiosurgery

If your doctor believes you may benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery, you likely have questions. We are here to offer answers and to listen.

A doctor will sit down with you before treatment begins to help you feel confident in your care plan.

We use a team approach to your treatment. Cancer doctors who have different specialties come together to discuss your care. This close collaboration allows us to personalize your treatment plan to your needs and circumstances.

You should know that no radiation remains in your body after treatment. When you leave our center, you can resume normal activities with no fear of exposing others to radiation. 

Why choose us for stereotactic radiosurgery?

The expert team at Mays Cancer Center uses stereotactic radiosurgery to treat many conditions affecting the central nervous system.

Highlights of our program include:

• Leading cancer expertise: As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in Central and South Texas, we have access to precise and promising radiation therapies. You may be eligible to participate in a national or local clinical trial that explores leading cancer advances. Learn more about our NCI designation.
• Focused training: Each of our radiation oncologists has additional training focused on certain cancer types. We specialize in treating specific types of advanced and rare cancers.
• 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. Learn more about image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).

Cancers we treat with stereotactic radiosurgery

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

Our doctors are experts in using SBRT to treat brain metastases, arteriovenous malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, pituitary tumors, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, and other nerve tumors. 

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