Stereotactic body radiation therapy: Normal tissue and tumor control effects with large dose per fraction

Robert Timmerman, Michael Bastasch, Debabrata Saha, Ramzi Abdulrahman, William Hittson, Michael Story

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a potent noninvasive means of administering high radiation doses to demarcated tumor deposits in extracranial locations. The treatments use image guidance and related advanced treatment delivery technologies for the purpose of escalating the radiation dose to the tumor, while sharply minimizing the radiation doses to surrounding normal tissues. The local tumor control outcomes for SBRT have been higher than any previously published for the radiotherapy of frequently occurring carcinomas. In addition, the pattern, timing and severity of the toxicities have been very different than from those seen with conventional radiotherapy. These issues pose challenges to our understanding of the radiobiological mechanisms and the optimal uses of SBRT. In this review, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SBRT are presented in the context of their possible underlying mechanisms. While some of these considerations remain theoretical, they may outline at least qualitative understandings of the observed clinical effects, and motivate continuing research into the effects of SBRT that guide its most effective use in the clinic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIMRT, IGRT, SBRT
Subtitle of host publicationAdvances in the Treatment Planning and Delivery of Radiotherapy
EditorsJohn Meyer
Pages382-394
Number of pages13
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011

Publication series

NameFrontiers of Radiation Therapy and Oncology
Volume43
ISSN (Print)0071-9676
ISSN (Electronic)1662-3789

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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