Stereotactic Body
Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
At Thangam Hospital, we offer Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) — a highly advanced, non-invasive cancer treatment that delivers precise, high-dose radiation to small, well-defined tumors. SBRT is a powerful and focused form of radiation therapy that ensures maximum tumor control with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues.
As part of our commitment to offering cutting-edge cancer care in Tamil Nadu, our Radiation Oncology team in Namakkal uses SBRT to treat selected early-stage and metastatic cancers in patients who may not be candidates for surgery.
What is SBRT?
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is a targeted treatment that delivers high doses of radiation with pinpoint accuracy, usually over 1 to 5 sessions — unlike traditional radiation therapy, which can require weeks of daily treatments.
Using image guidance and immobilization techniques, SBRT ensures the radiation is delivered only to the tumor, minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissues and reducing side effects.
Cancers Treated with SBRT
SBRT is ideal for treating:
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Oligometastatic cancer (limited spread from the original site)
It is also used in cases where surgery is not advisable due to other medical conditions, making it a non-surgical alternative with surgical precision.
SBRT Procedure at Thangam Hospital
1. Evaluation and Planning
Before treatment begins, our oncologists assess your health, medical history, and imaging studies to ensure you are a good candidate for SBRT. If eligible, you will go through a treatment simulation:
CT, MRI, or PET scans to locate and define the tumor
Immobilization devices (molds or casts) to help you remain still during treatment
Skin markings or body alignment tools for consistent positioning in each session
This planning ensures that radiation beams are directed precisely at the tumor with every treatment.
2. Treatment Sessions
You will lie on a treatment table, just like during your simulation.
The Linear Accelerator (LINAC) will deliver radiation from multiple angles using advanced technologies like IGRT and RapidArc™.
SBRT sessions are painless and non-invasive. You may hear sounds from the machine, but you will not feel anything.
Each session typically lasts 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the location and complexity of the tumor.
What to Expect After SBRT
SBRT typically involves fewer sessions than conventional radiation therapy, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
Common Short-Term Side Effects . These vary depending on the treatment site:
- Lung cancer: Fatigue, dry cough, or mild phlegm
- Prostate cancer: Urinary urgency or frequency, mild bowel changes
- Liver or pancreas cancer: Nausea or diarrhea, usually manageable with medications
Your oncologist will guide you on how to manage these temporary side effects and monitor your recovery closely through regular follow-up appointments.
Benefits of SBRT at Thangam Hospital
- Non-surgical treatment option for inoperable or high-risk patients
- Shorter treatment duration (1–5 sessions)
- Higher precision, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues
- Faster recovery and fewer side effects
- Effective tumor control with comparable outcomes to surgery in certain cancers
Is SBRT Right for You?
SBRT is best suited for patients with small tumors or limited metastatic disease, especially when surgery isn’t an option. Our multidisciplinary team will help you determine if SBRT is the most effective and safe treatment for your condition.
Expert Care, Right Here at Thangam Hospital
At Thangam Hospital, our Radiation Oncology team is trained in advanced radiation techniques including SBRT, IMRT, IGRT, and SRS, ensuring you receive world-class cancer treatment close to home. We use state-of-the-art equipment and a team-based approach to deliver personalized care for every patient.