What happens during SBRT treatment?

During SBRT for prostate cancer, you lie on a table in a treatment room. A machine moves around you and gives the radiation from different angles. Each session may take an hour or more. Some of that time is spent preparing. Your healthcare team may use cushions to position you. You might have imaging tests to make sure you're in the right position for treatment.

SBRT for early-stage prostate cancer often takes five treatment sessions over two weeks. Your schedule may vary depending on your treatment plan.

SBRT typically doesn't cause pain or other side effects during a treatment session. You don't feel the radiation going into your body. You might feel discomfort from having to lie still during the treatment. Your care team can see and hear you, so tell them if you're not comfortable.

Side effects of SBRT for prostate cancer may include:

• More frequent urination.
• Feeling an urgent need to urinate.
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely when urinating.
• Weaker stream when urinating.
• More frequent bowel movements.

Symptoms often are mild and may be managed with medicines or other treatments.