Elsevier

Journal of Thoracic Oncology

Volume 3, Issue 11, November 2008, Pages 1332-1341
Journal of Thoracic Oncology

State of the Art: Concise Review
Practical Considerations Arising from the Implementation of Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

https://doi.org/10.1097/JTO.0b013e31818b1771Get rights and content
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Introduction

With the anticipation of improved outcomes, especially for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been rapidly introduced into the thoracic radiation oncology community. Although at first glance lung SBRT might seem methodologically similar to conventional radiotherapy, there are important differences in its execution that require particular consideration. The objective of this paper is to highlight these and other issues to contribute to the safe and effective diffusion of lung SBRT. We discuss practical challenges that have been encountered in the implementation of lung SBRT at a single, large institution and emphasize the importance of a systematic approach to the design of lung SBRT services.

Methods

Specific technical and clinical components that were identified as being important during the development of lung SBRT at Princess Margaret Hospital are described. The clinical system that evolved from these is outlined.

Results

Using this clinical framework the practical topics addressed include: patient assessment, simulation and treatment planning, tumor and organ at risk delineation, trial set up before treatment, on-line image-guidance, and patient follow-up.

Conclusions

The potential gain in therapeutic ratio that is theoretically possible with lung SBRT can only be realized if the tumor is adequately irradiated and normal tissue spared. A discussion of the component parts of lung SBRT is presented. It is a complex process and specific challenges need to be overcome to effect the satisfactory transition of lung SBRT into routine practice.

Key Words

Stereotactic body radiation therapy
Lung cancer
Clinical process
Quality assurance

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Disclosure: Partial funding supplied by Elekta Synergy Research Group and Addie MacNaughton Chair in Lung Cancer Radiotherapy.