Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR / SBRT)
Advanced radiation treatment designed to target tumors with precision while protecting healthy tissue.
What is SBRT?
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), also known as Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR), is a highly precise, non-invasive radiation treatment used to target tumors in the body—particularly in the lungs, liver, spine, prostate, and adrenal glands. It delivers very high doses of radiation over just a few sessions, offering an effective and patient-friendly alternative to traditional radiation therapy.
How It Works
Advanced Imaging & Planning
SBRT begins with high-resolution CT or MRI imaging to create a 3D view of your tumor and surrounding organs. This imaging guides the development of a custom plan tailored to your exact anatomy and treatment goals.
Targeted Radiation Delivery
Using a linear accelerator and advanced guidance systems, multiple radiation beams are delivered from different angles, all precisely focused on the tumor. Respiratory gating and motion management techniques may be used to track tumor movement (especially for lung or liver lesions).
Shorter Treatment Course
Unlike conventional radiation, SBRT is typically completed in just 1–5 sessions. The concentrated dose per session means fewer visits and quicker return to normal activities.
Benefits of SBRT
Precise Tumor Targeting
High-dose radiation is confined to the tumor, minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue.
Convenience
Fewer sessions reduce patient travel and treatment fatigue.
Non-Surgical Option
Especially beneficial for patients who are not candidates for surgery due to age or underlying conditions.
Strong Outcomes
Proven efficacy in treating both early-stage cancers and metastatic disease with curative or palliative intent.
Common Uses for SBRT
SBRT is commonly used to treat:
Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Liver tumors or metastases
Prostate cancer (in select cases)
Spinal tumors
Kidney and adrenal tumors
Oligometastatic disease (limited sites of spread)
What to Expect During Treatment
Simulation Session
You’ll undergo a CT or MRI scan to help the team plan your treatment. Immobilization devices or body molds may be used to reduce movement.
Treatment Sessions
Each session usually lasts 30–60 minutes. You’ll remain in a stable, comfortable position while the machine delivers radiation.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients resume normal activity soon after each treatment session.
Learn More About Radiant Cancer Center
With our office based out of Rancho Mirage, our treatment center is conveniently located to serve the entire Coachella Valley.
Every step of your care is monitored and adjusted to ensure the highest accuracy.
Other Services We Offer
Interested in exploring other precision-focused radiation therapies?
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
A non‑surgical, highly focused form of radiation therapy that targets tumors in the brain, spine, or other areas with pinpoint accuracy. Using multiple beams that converge on the tumor, SRS delivers high-dose radiation in a single session, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)
Uses 3D camera systems to monitor patient surface motion in real-time. SGRT enhances accuracy and safety by automatically pausing treatment if movement exceeds designated thresholds.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Utilizes advanced imaging (e.g., CT, MRI, PET) before and during treatment to ensure radiation targets the exact tumor location, reducing margins and improving accuracy.