Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is an advanced type of radiation technology. Despite its name, SRS is a non-surgical procedure. It delivers precisely-targeted radiation at much higher doses than traditional radiation therapy – with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery is ideal for otherwise inoperable tumors, such as those in the brain that cannot be treated with traditional surgical methods.

Advantages of SRS

  • Non-surgical, non-invasive and painless
  • Ideal for hard-to-reach tumors and those close to critical organs
  • Performed in an outpatient setting at one of NYOH’s offices
  • Shorter amount of treatment time, compared to traditional radiation regimen

Examples of Stereotactic Radiosurgery Use

  • Early stage lung cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Brain tumors or, as an alternative to whole brain radiation (for appropriate patients)
  • Spinal tumors
  • Cancers that have metastasized to the brain, lung or liver

How Stereotactic Radiosurgery works

Stereotactic Radiosurgery works in the same way as other forms of radiation treatment. The process does not actually remove the tumor, but the radiation causes it to shrink. By damaging the DNA of tumor cells, they cannot reproduce. Malignant and metastatic tumors may shrink more rapidly, even within a couple of months.

Specific technology is required to delivery Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment. Three-dimensional imaging is used to locate the tumor within the body and define the exact size and shape. This imaging guides the treatment plan and positioning of the patient for treatment. A linear accelerator is used to deliver treatment.