Includes References and Index

There are a large number of books on stereotactic radiotherapy. Some focus on specific techniques, and others on specific indications. Some books try to provide an overview of all available literature, often leaving the reader with many questions on how to do what in their specific
situation for an individual patient. Well, this book is different!
After the successful implementation of stereotactic techniques for intracranial lesions in the
past century, stereotactic techniques have also become an important treatment option for extracranial tumors, and the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung, liver, and spine
lesions is now well established. Moreover, SBRT is being explored and advocated for tumors
and functional indications at various other locations.
In this book, the editors have done an excellent job in bringing together the information on
all relevant topics in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and SBRT. An impressive line-up of
world-renowned experts provides an outstanding and comprehensive review of the biological
aspects, radiation physics principles, clinical indications, and the available evidence. Instead of
summing up all available literature, the chapters provide clearly written reviews with information which is scientific, but at the same time very practical and immediately applicable to daily
clinic.
In the chapters on biology, the rationale for SRS and SBRT and the mechanisms of action
of the high-dose hypofractionated treatments are discussed. Latest insights on the interaction
of radiotherapy with the immune systems are addressed as well.
The chapters on SRS are partly technique-based, which enables the readers to have easy
access to information on the techniques used at their centers. In a separate section, SRS is
discussed in detail for the most frequent indications as well.
For SBRT, the general physics aspects including immobilization and motion management
are described in detail. A separate chapter focuses on the use SBRT using charged particles.
Apart from the important mainstream indications such as lung and spine tumors, newer indications—such as SBRT for head and neck cancer, gastro-intestinal tumors, kidney tumors, and
prostate cancer—are addressed in various chapters.
The final chapters of this book provide an excellent overview of some general aspects, such
as complication management and integration with other therapies, as well as of future directions of the rapidly emerging fields of SRS and SBRT.
This book is written with the reader in mind who is looking for an up-to-date and state-ofthe-art overview of stereotactic radiotherapy for intra- and extracranial indications. Advancements in technology over the past several decades have created an atmosphere of
multidisciplinary collaborative care that is very unlike medicine in the early twentieth century.
Today, team-based approaches allow us to leverage techniques and modalities for the benefit
of the patient. Radiosurgery is a perfect example of multidisciplinary collaboration and the
benefit that specialization affords the patient, by blurring the lines between traditional medical
specialities. Today, centers across the world have developed skills, techniques, and expertise in
use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for
treatment of many diseases. Perhaps stereotactic radiosurgery can be seen as a budding discipline of its own as it continues to gain distinction that differentiates it from the arenas of conventional surgery and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the sharing of this practical knowledge
has been limited to specialty-specific annual meetings, frequently with conflicting recommendations between medical disciplines.
As a result, it is currently very difficult for a clinician (either in training or in practice) to
gain experience and expertise in SRS and SBRT. Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic
Body Radiation Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide was created for the purpose of centralizing
the knowledge and experience of experts across a variety of disciplines.
Our vision is that this book be used to serve as a basis for the current state of the art of SRS
and SBRT. There is no doubt that advancements are made almost daily and refinements will be
made as technology advances. However, for providers seeking to expand their knowledge and
grow their radiosurgical skill set, this text will serve as a resource to allow for their
development.
We thank our gracious contributors for lending their expertise toward the further advancement of our field and toward the improved care of our patients. Their efforts to improve the
care of patients cannot be overstated.