Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) in Delhi, India

Although SRS typically refers to a one-day treatment, sometimes radiation oncologists recommend multiple stereotactic delivered treatments depending on the core and spreading area of the disease. Fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) basically refers to the delivery of two to five focused radiation treatments and is not always applied on consecutive days.

This type of treatment is mainly used to combat very small cancers that include cancers in the lymph nodes, spinal cord tumours, cancer in the lung, and cancer spread in the brain.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is important alternatives to invasive surgery, especially for those patients who are unable to undergo surgery, for cancerous/non-cancerous tumours, and for other abnormalities that are mentioned below:

• Difficult to reach
• Source located close to other vital organs
• Subject to movement within the body

Stereotactic radiosurgery has become an increasingly alternative to invasive surgery for patients who have brain tumours but are smaller in size. The surgery is also chosen by people in their early stages of the disease.

• Other candidates for stereotactic radiosurgery also include patients whose physical problem is not accessible surgically, those who can't tolerate anaesthesia, or the patient's disease is too advanced for neurosurgery.
• Small tumours in other parts of the body other than the brain are also being treated with this technique such as CA Lung Oligometastatic tumour or, in other words, limited metastasis with curative intent.

One may not be a good candidate for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in case:

• A tumour size or malformation is larger than 4 to 5 cm.
• The brain condition develops some abnormal/awkward symptoms that require immediate relief. The effects of Stereotactic Radiosurgery can stay several weeks.

Before undergoing surgery, it is important to discuss any pre-existing allergies or other health complications and ongoing medications with the concerned doctor or a radiation specialist and adjust them accordingly for the smooth completion of the procedure.

Preparation for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) may vary depending on the current clinical condition of the patient and other conditions but usually involves the following steps:

• Don't eat or drink anything after midnight before the treatment day. Before the surgery, one should bring the ongoing medications along to the treatment centre and ask about the daily routine of taking medications on the day of surgery.
• Discuss other health conditions and medical devices that are implanted in the body with the physician. Inform the doctor if one has a pacemaker, artificial heart valve, brain aneurysm clips, implanted pumps or chemotherapy ports, eye or ear implants, neurostimulators, or stents.
• Also, discuss if one is taking pills or injections to control diabetes,
• If one is allergic to intravenous contrast material or iodine, special dyes may be used during the procedure.

Before the surgical procedure, keep in mind that Stereotactic radiosurgery can lead to several health complications. Although stereotactic radiosurgery doesn't require any surgical incisions, so it's usually not riskier than traditional surgical procedures. Nevertheless, most patients develop some early complications or experience side effects that are usually mild and short-term, such as headaches, gastrointestinal upset, tiredness, and fatigue.

Apart from this, there is also a slight possibility of developing cancer from radiation therapy. One should be diagnosed on a regular basis by a radiation oncologist for recurring and new malignant cells.

The most common Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) side effects during brain tumour treatments include:

• Gastrointestinal upset - Nausea, Diarrhea, or Vomiting
• Vertigo or Dizziness
• Headaches
• Tiredness and Fatigue
• Skin Irritation
• Soreness and Swelling in the treatment area

1. Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Brain Tumors!
2. Treating Specific Cancers With Radiation Oncology
3. Brain Metastases
4. 8 Myths about Radiotherapy!