Stereotactic radiotherapy is a highly targeted form of radiotherapy, delivered with fewer treatment fractions than conventional radiotherapy. At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we work with a team of world-class consultants and radiotherapists. Our specialists are experts at developing personalised treatment plans that maximise the benefits of stereotactic radiotherapy.
Stereotactic radiotherapy
Also known as: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR)
Get answers fast
See a doctor or consultant within days
Advanced imaging and tests
Quick access to leading diagnostics on-site
World-class specialists
Expert support guiding your next steps
What is stereotactic radiotherapy?
Stereotactic radiotherapy for lung cancer delivers extremely precise, high doses of radiation directly to cancerous tumours. Using state-of-the-art technology, stereotactic radiotherapy pinpoints the exact 3D location of a tumour within the body and tracks it throughout treatment. This precision minimises damage to healthy tissue, resulting in fewer side effects compared to conventional radiotherapy.
Due to the treatment’s accuracy and the high dosage delivered with each treatment, fewer sessions are required. The treatment is also more effective at destroying cancer cells.
Usually, you will have between one to eight sessions of stereotactic radiotherapy, with each appointment lasting around 30–60 minutes.
Stereotactic radiotherapy is typically undertaken as part of a personalised, multimodal approach to cancer. This may also include chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other forms of ablation or surgery.
Compared to standard radiotherapy and surgery, the benefits of stereotactic radiotherapy include:
- Fewer side effects
- Minimal recovery
- Fewer treatment sessions
Why might I need stereotactic radiotherapy?
Stereotactic radiotherapy is used to treat early-stage lung cancer, as well as areas of cancer that haven’t spread to other parts of the body — typically in the lungs, bones, lymph nodes, adrenals, liver or brain.
It may also be considered if you:
- Have a tumour that isn’t suitable for conventional radiotherapy
- Have a health condition that makes surgery or general anaesthetic difficult
- Prefer to avoid surgery for personal reasons
What are the side effects of stereotactic radiotherapy?
How is stereotactic radiotherapy delivered?
At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver highly precise stereotactic radiotherapy. We have two machines which can be used to deliver treatment, the RapidArc (which uses a linear accelerator to deliver highly-targeted radiation as it rotates around the patient in a 360-degree arc) and the CyberKnife platform – the first and only fully robotic radiotherapy device.
These systems deliver beams of radiation from various angles while you are lying on a treatment couch. As you breathe or move during treatment, your tumour may shift position. Both of these machines monitor your movements and adjust their radiation beams to deliver precise treatment.
More information
Step 1: Preparing for stereotactic radiotherapy
Before your stereotactic body radiotherapy, you will undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan to create a detailed image of your lungs. Depending on your case, your specialist may also recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) scan to gather additional information.
These images will enable your consultant to pinpoint exactly where the radiation needs to hit to treat the tumour and reduce damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Your consultant may also create a mask or mould to help you stay in the correct position during your treatment. Alternatively, small metal markers may be placed near your tumour, and tiny markings may be made on your skin to help guide the radiation.
On the day of your treatment, you will need to wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal items (for example, buttons or zips) and remove any jewellery. Your care team will review your medical history and discuss any conditions you have, including whether you are or could be pregnant.
Step 2: During stereotactic radiotherapy
To begin the treatment, you will lie on a radiotherapy couch, and your care team will apply any moulds or markers needed to guide the radiation. They will help to make you comfortable so that you can stay as still as possible throughout the treatment.
Once you are in the right position, the radiographers will leave the room. They will be able to see and hear you at all times and can communicate with you via intercom.
You won’t feel anything during the treatment. It usually takes 30–60 minutes, and you’ll be able to go home on the same day.
Once the treatment is complete, your radiographers will re-enter the room and help you get down from the treatment couch.
Step 3: Recovery and aftercare
After each treatment session, you will be able to go straight home and should be able to resume normal activities within one to two days. You will not be radioactive after the treatment, so it will be safe to be around other people straight away.
Your care team may advise you to use a moisturiser on the treated area and to wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid rubbing.
Between each treatment session, you will have regular reviews with your care team. These will assess whether you are experiencing any side effects and how well the treatment is working.
Once you have completed your full course of treatment, you will have a follow-up appointment with your consultant to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.
What to expect during and after stereotactic radiotherapy
Step 1 Preparing for stereotactic radiotherapy
Before your treatment, you’ll have scans (CT, MRI or PET) to map your tumour and minimise damage to healthy tissue. You may be fitted with a mask or small skin markings to guide the radiation.
Wear loose clothing without metal and remove jewellery. Your care team will also review your medical history before treatment begins.
Step 2 During stereotactic radiotherapy
You’ll lie on a treatment couch while any masks or guides are applied. Once you're in position, the team will leave the room but stay in contact throughout.
Treatment takes 30–60 minutes and is painless. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
Step 3 Recovery and aftercare
You can return to normal activities within 1–2 days. It’s safe to be around others, and you may be advised to use moisturiser and wear loose clothing.
Your care team will review side effects and progress during and after your treatment.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why patients choose The London Clinic Lung Centre
Our lung centre brings together a wide range of specialities and collective experience to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating lung conditions. Working collaboratively, our world-class teams deliver personalised care at every stage, ensuring each patient receives the highest standard of treatment in a supportive, streamlined environment.
World-class lung treatment
Our specialists work at the forefront of modern lung diagnostics and treatments, helping deliver exceptional care for chest conditions.
Personal care, every time
Patient care is central to everything we do, with tailored treatment plans and support at every step.
Effortlessly simple
Our multidisciplinary teams work as one to provide a seamless, stress-free experience from consultation to follow-up.
Get expert lung advice
World-class consultants and advanced lung diagnostics, based in the heart of Harley Street.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.