About Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Key Highlights
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Highly precise, non-invasive treatment with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.Completed in a short course, typically 1-5 sessions, compared to weeks for conventional radiotherapy.High local control rates, effectively destroying the targeted tumor.Often an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day.Can be an effective alternative to surgery for patients who are inoperable or high-risk.
Who is this surgery for?
- Early-stage lung cancer (inoperable or as an alternative to surgery).
- Localized prostate cancer.
- Primary liver cancer or limited liver metastases.
- Spinal or vertebral body tumors.
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Renal (kidney) tumors.
- Re-irradiation of a previously treated area.
- Oligometastatic disease (a limited number of metastases).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive consultation and review of medical history and imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans) by the Radiation Oncologist.
- A specialized CT simulation scan is performed to map the exact tumor location and create a 3D treatment plan.
- Immobilization devices (e.g., body molds, vacuum bags) may be created to ensure you remain in the exact same position for each treatment.
- Fiducial markers may be implanted near the tumor to aid in real-time tracking during treatment.
- Instructions regarding medications, diet, and arrival time on treatment days will be provided.
Risks & possible complications
- Fatigue, which is usually mild and temporary.
- Skin irritation (redness, dryness) in the treated area.
- Site-specific side effects (e.g., cough or shortness of breath for lung SBRT; nausea for abdominal treatments).
- Risk of damage to nearby organs-at-risk, though minimized by precision (e.g., esophagus, spinal cord, bowel).
- Rare risk of radiation pneumonitis (lung inflammation) after lung treatment.
- Potential for late effects, which are uncommon but can include tissue fibrosis or secondary malignancy many years later.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients can resume normal, non-strenuous activities immediately after each treatment session.
- Side effects are typically mild and managed with medications (e.g., for pain, nausea).
- Follow-up appointments with the Radiation Oncologist are scheduled to monitor response and manage any side effects.
- Scans (CT, PET, or MRI) are usually performed a few months post-treatment to assess tumor response.
- Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest aids recovery.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms (e.g., severe pain, fever, difficulty breathing) to your doctor promptly.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient) to 1 day
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for acute side effects; full assessment of tumor response takes 3-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering stereotactic body radiation therapy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for stereotactic body radiation therapy in India include Cytecare Hospital, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform stereotactic body radiation therapy. MediFyr helps you compare radiation oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for stereotactic body radiation therapy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 450 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) to 1 day | ~ 1-2 weeks for acute side effects; full assessment of tumor response takes 3-6 months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.58 Million | 0 days (Outpatient) to 1 day | ~ 1-2 weeks for acute side effects; full assessment of tumor response takes 3-6 months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated radiation oncology teams and experience managing patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy.
David Bhatia, a 62-year-old retired school...
David Bhatia, a 62-year-old retired school principal and avid gardener, had a persistent, dry cough that wouldn't go away. A lifelong non-smoker, he was shocked when a CT scan for his cough revealed a small, solitary tumor in his right lung. A biopsy confirmed it was early-stage lung cancer. His radiation oncologist, Dr. Evans, recommended Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) as a non-invasive, curative option, explaining it was like 'precision surgery with radiation beams' and ideal for his otherwise good health. David underwent five brief, painless treatments over two weeks, lying still on a table while the machine whirred around him. He experienced mild fatigue and some skin redness. At his three-month follow-up scan, the tumor showed significant shrinkage with no new growth. Emotionally, David journeyed from initial shock and fear of major surgery to cautious optimism during treatment. After his positive results, he felt profound relief and gratitude, returning to his garden with a renewed sense of vitality and a commitment to annual screenings.
Radiation Oncologists for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Explore experienced radiation oncologists who regularly perform stereotactic body radiation therapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 13 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 13 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 31 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 16 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
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- 5 Years Experience
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- 9 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 24 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 20 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 31 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 31 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 11 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 30 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 14 Years Experience
- Radiation Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata