Patrick Linson, MD, MPH, DABR
SBRT Prostate Radiation Therapy
A focused five-treatment prostate radiation guide.
Patient Guide
SBRT Prostate Radiation Therapy
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a highly focused form of external-beam radiation. This pathway uses five treatment sessions to treat the prostate while limiting radiation to nearby normal tissue.
← Back to Prostate Cancer resourcesHow We Keep Your Treatment Accurate
- Fiducial markers help locate the prostate during imaging and treatment.
- A self-absorbing rectal spacer (hydrogel) helps move the rectum away from the prostate.
- Follow the bladder and bowel instructions supplied by the care team.
- A customized support such as a Vac-Lok cushion helps reproduce your position.
- CT simulation maps the prostate and nearby organs.
- The physician defines the target and organs to protect; the dosimetrist and medical physicist create and verify the plan.
- Image guidance, including cone-beam CT, confirms the prostate location and positioning before radiation is delivered.
Before the First Treatment
- Complete consultation and insurance authorization.
- Fiducial markers and a rectal spacer (hydrogel) may be placed by Urology or Interventional Radiology.
- Complete MRI and CT simulation (approximately 7–10 days after the procedure).
- The physician, dosimetrist and medical physicist design and verify the treatment plan. Planning and quality checks commonly take 7–10 business days.
During Treatment
- Follow the bladder and bowel instructions supplied by the care team.
- The radiation therapists will carefully position you in the same way as during simulation.
- Imaging confirms your position before each treatment is delivered.
- Possible short-term effects include urinary frequency, urgency or burning; bowel irritation, loose stools or gas; mild fatigue; and changes in sexual function.
- You will meet with the doctor and nurse during the SBRT course to discuss urinary, bowel, energy, or other changes, review what to expect after treatment, and discuss your follow-up plan.
After Treatment
- Short-term urinary and rectal symptoms often improve within 4–6 weeks, although recovery varies.
- Continue routine care with your primary care clinician and other members of your cancer-care team.
Important: This guide is for patient education only. Your care team’s instructions and individualized treatment prescription take priority.