Calvary Mater Newcastle
Stereotactic patients
Supporting you during treatment
The treatment uses a standard linear accelerator (linac) with specialised accessories and immobilisation. The machine produces very small and accurate beams designed to deliver the dose of radiation therapy to the small treatment targets. The Linac will move around the patient to deliver the treatment.
Generally, this type of radiation therapy requires one CT-Simulation appointment and then 4 to 5 treatment appointments. The first treatment appointment will be a trial run to check patient positioning and the accuracy of the imaging of the treatment site during a treatment course.
Types of treatment
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a precise way of delivering a high dose of radiation therapy to a small, localised lesion within the lung. This type of treatment requires a high degree of accuracy.
Cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (CSRS)
Cranial stereotactic radiosurgery is a precise way of delivering a high dose of radiation therapy to a small, localised lesion or growth (benign or malignant) within the brain or cranium.
What happens on the treatment day?
The duration of this appointment depends on the treatment plan. Generally, the appointment is 45-60 minutes in duration. Treatment involves multiple ‘arcs’ which involves the machine rotating around the patient whilst the treatment is delivered.
The treatment procedure will involve:
- Set up with immobilisation mask.
- Recording and verifying the set-up measurements.
- Taking X-rays to verify treatment accuracy.
- Delivery of the treatment arcs.
- Staff will inform you when they are ready to commence.
- Staff exit the treatment room for the verification X-rays and treatment and monitor patients by cameras and microphones.
- X-rays will be taken prior to the treatment of each arc.
- Each arc takes around 30 to 60 seconds to deliver.
- Patients won't feel anything during treatment; a buzzing noise will be heard while the treatment arc is delivered.
- Staff will re-enter the room for each treatment position.
- When all arcs are treated, the mask will be removed.
After treatment care
- Patients are required to spend a couple of hours in the department after treatment for monitoring.
- Patients are given instructions regarding medications, follow-up appointments, and whom to contact in case of problems/emergencies.
Further information
If you have any concerns or would like further information about your upcoming treatment, please contact the radiation oncology department.
Monday-Fridays between 8:00am-4:30pm