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Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Radiotherapy)
Stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy offer powerful options to noninvasively treat many brain conditions. We use them for brain tumors and noncancerous disorders.
The radiation oncologists at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, are innovators in their field. For example, our specialists developed novel stereotactic radiosurgery techniques to treat multiple brain metastases more easily.
What is stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiotherapy is a sophisticated type of external beam radiation therapy that treats brain tumors without a single incision.
It uses a powerful machine called a linear accelerator to send highly targeted beams of energy directly to a tumor.
Stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery: What to expect
Stereotactic radiotherapy can treat certain types of primary and metastatic brain tumors in two to five treatments.
In some cases, doctors use this therapy to destroy a brain tumor in one treatment. Single-treatment procedures are called stereotactic radiosurgery.
Your doctor may also recommend stereotactic radiotherapy to treat certain noncancerous conditions, like trigeminal neuralgia (a rare nerve disorder that causes chronic, excruciating facial pain).
Our experienced doctors often deliver this complex treatment without having to attach a neurosurgical frame to the skull.
Many patients experience no side effects from stereotactic radiotherapy.
How to talk to your doctor about stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery
If your doctor believes you may benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery, you likely have questions. We are here to offer answers and to listen.
A doctor will sit down with you before treatment begins to help you feel confident in your care plan.
We use a team approach to your treatment. Cancer doctors who have different specialties come together to discuss your care. This close collaboration allows us to personalize your treatment plan to your needs and circumstances.
You should know that no radiation remains in your body after treatment. When you leave our center, you can resume normal activities with no fear of exposing others to radiation.
Why choose us for stereotactic radiotherapy?
The expert team at Mays Cancer Center uses stereotactic radiotherapy to treat many conditions affecting the central nervous system.
Highlights of our program include:
- Leading cancer expertise: As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in Central and South Texas, we have access to precise and promising radiation therapies. You may be eligible to participate in a national or local clinical trial that explores leading cancer advances. Learn more about our NCI designation.
- Focused training: Each of our radiation oncologists has additional training focused on certain cancer types. We specialize in treating specific types of advanced and rare cancers.
- Commitment to excellence: We continually pursue new advances and refined techniques so we can deliver precise, personalized care. For example, we use surface imaging and mapping tools to effectively treat cancer in fewer treatment sessions, often with fewer side effects. Learn more about image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT).
Cancers we treat with stereotactic radiosurgery
Your doctor may recommend stereotactic radiotherapy in combination with other radiation therapies or treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Our doctors have expertise in using SBRT to treat: