SBRT Helps Inova Oncologists Provide Precise Radiation Treatment

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital offers specialized cancer care

When it comes to fighting cancer, the more options your physician has, the better. One of these important tools is stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT. This therapy takes advantage of the latest technology to deliver precisely focused radiation to cancerous tumors.

“We’re using this technology to be as precise and accurate as possible, which allows us to use much higher and more focused doses of radiation,” says Ashish Chawla, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (IFOH). “SBRT not only shrinks tumors, but in some circumstances, it can be as effective as surgery at controlling tumors long-term.”

SBRT is often used for patients with tumors in the spine, lung or liver, and can be used for patients who are not good candidates for surgery. Because of the precise nature of the technology, the full treatment consists of about five appointments over one to two weeks, which is easier for patients to handle than the usual four to six weeks required for standard radiation therapy.

“[SBRT] is now one of the essential components of a high- quality, comprehensive cancer program,” says Dr. Chawla.

Expert Cancer Care

Learn more about Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Call 571-472-4724.