Why it's done

Around 50 years ago, stereotactic radiosurgery was pioneered as a less invasive and safer alternative to standard brain surgery (neurosurgery), which requires incisions in the skin, skull, membranes surrounding the brain and brain tissue.

Since then, the use of SRS has expanded widely to treat a variety of neurological and other conditions. SBRT may be used to treat cancers of the liver, lung, abdomen, lymph nodes and spine.