Extra-cranial stereotactic radiotherapy

Stereotactic radiotherapy uses many small beams which are focused on the tumor to deliver a very high radiation dose, often in just one session. This type of treatment has been used for many years for brain tumors, but has recently been applied to the treatment of other cancers.

Early results have been very promising. With VCU Massey Cancer Center's Trilogy treatment machine, even small tumors outside the brain can be treated with unprecedented accuracy. Extra-cranial stereotactic radiotherapy is offering new hope to patients diagnosed with inoperable tumors of the lung, liver and spine.

Photo: A radiation treatment plan for extra-cranial lung stereotactic radiotherapy.