Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) refers to a type of radiation therapy which delivers high doses of radiation focused precisely-targeted on the tumor, thereby sparing adjacent normal tissues and limiting side effects. It can deliver radiation in a shorter timeframe through several high-dose treatments rather than traditional radiation therapy which involves many treatments. The hypothesis of this study is to use SRS to treat very small breast cancers, ultimately avoiding surgical removal. The goal of this pilot study is to determine if SBRT can be delivered safely. Patients receive SBRT which is followed by surgery which is still the standard of care. To date, six patients have been treated with limited side effects and in about half the tumour has shrunk substantially.