Stereotactic body radiotherapy: current strategies and future development

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Oncology

Background:

• Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is the standard treatment for medically inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• SBRT achieves high local control rates exceeding 90% for NSCLC.
• Effective SBRT relies on precise tumor motion management and image-guided radiation delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current tumor motion management strategies in SBRT.
• To provide an overview of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) systems and devices for SBRT.
• To discuss the expanding applications of SBRT beyond early-stage NSCLC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of SBRT techniques.
• Analysis of tumor motion management strategies.
• Overview of current image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) technologies.

Main Results:

• SBRT demonstrates excellent local control rates (>90%) in early-stage NSCLC.
• Tumor motion management and IGRT are essential for safe and effective SBRT.
• SBRT is increasingly used for lung oligometastasis and explored for other cancers.

Conclusions:

• SBRT is a highly effective treatment for early-stage NSCLC.
• Technological advancements are driving the progress and personalization of SBRT.
• The future of SBRT promises more personalized, effective, and safe cancer treatments.