Dynamic stereotactic radiotherapy: a non-invasive technique for precision fractionated therapy

The excellent results achieved with the use of stereotactic radiosurgery on intracranial targets have caused a shift from the treatment of primarily vascular and benign disease to include malignant tumours. The benefits of its use with fractionation have been recognized. A method for the use of a non-invasive frame for dynamic stereotactic radiotherapy is presented. The Stereo adapter 5000 provides acceptable reproducibility and increased overall patient comfort compared to previously used invasive and non-invasive head frames. The use of this technique has proven dosimetric advantages, with shorter treatment times than other modalities. Clinical results indicate this fractionated therapy for many head and neck tumours. The intent of treatment can be primary, post-operative, as a boost for other external beam therapy or for salvage therapy of recurrent disease. Comparison with other stereotactic radiotherapy modalities shows a clear advantage of this linear accelerator-based technique from both a clinical and financial perspective