The Saving Technology for Cancer Patients
SRS- The Saving Technology for Cancer Patients
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a form of radiotherapy that has a very accurate and high precision rate. SRS entered the medical world somewhere in the 1980s and has constantly been developed for better results. Initially, it was used to treat neurological conditions as an alternative to brain surgery that needed incisions in the skull. Over the period, its potential came to light and today SRS technology is used to treat various cancers with remarkable outcomes in patients.
What exactly is SRS?
- Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure
- It targets the exact spot where the tumor is using 3D imaging.
- Each beam which is a high dosage of radiation has very little effect on the tissue it passes through but has a massive effect on changing the DNA of the tumor when all the beams collectively intersect at the targeted area. This is how the tumor shrinks or is destroyed.
- It can deliver much higher dosages of radiation in comparison to traditional radiation methods.
- Causes close to zero damage to surrounding healthy tissues are organs.
- SRS for the brain and spine are generally completed in a single session.
- In other cases, the number of sessions with SRS is much lesser than usual radiation.
Who needs SRS?
- All patients with noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors need SRS
- SRS can also be used to treat cases of metastases – where cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- It can be used to treat cancer of the liver, lungs, brain, and other parts of the body.
- It is very beneficial to patients who can’t undergo surgery for various reasons.
An experienced radiology oncologist leads the treatment team. This is usually an outpatient procedure that does not require hospital admission. Depending on your treatment you will be asked to abstain from eating anything 8 to 12 hours before treatment.
Do not forget to inform your doctor about any medication you are taking, allergies, or if you are on insulin.
In case you have implanted pumps or chemotherapy ports, a pacemaker installed, an artificial heart valve, a defibrillator, brain aneurysm clips, or any implants or stents.