Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) is transforming the way lung cancer is treated. By delivering highly focused, high-dose radiation directly to tumours, SABR offers a non-invasive, precise treatment that minimises damage to healthy tissue and leads to fewer side effects. Whether it’s treating early-stage lung cancer or managing oligometastatic disease, SABR is proving to be an effective, patient-friendly option with quicker recovery times.
Early-Stage Lung Cancer
For patients with early-stage lung cancer, particularly those who are not candidates for surgery, SABR offers a powerful alternative. Studies like the CHISEL trial (link) have shown that SABR significantly improves local control and progression-free survival compared to conventional radiotherapy. With high tumour control rates and minimal side effects, SABR allows patients to benefit from effective treatment without undergoing invasive surgery.
Similarly, the RTOG 0236 trial showed local control rates of over 90% in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. SABR offers patients an excellent chance at disease control in just a few treatment sessions, typically completed over one to two weeks. This is an ideal option for patients seeking a fast, effective, and non-surgical alternative.
Looking to the future, the introduction of lLung cancer screening programs, which will begin in July, are being introduced on an attempt to make a diagnosis when the cancer is at an early stage. is another significant step forward. This screening will allow for earlier detection, especially for high-risk individuals such as long-term smokers, making treatments like SABR more accessible when lung cancer is still in its early stages. Research has shown that early detection combined with advanced treatments like SABR can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20%.
Oligometastatic Lung Cancer
SABR is also highly effective in managing oligometastatic lung cancer, where cancer has spread to a limited number of sites. In these cases, SABR’s precision allows for targeted treatment of metastatic lesions, often delaying the need for systemic therapies like chemotherapy.
The D’Amico study demonstrated that SABR significantly delays the progression of metastatic lung cancer, helping patients maintain their quality of life for longer. Similarly, the SABR-COMET trial showed that treating all metastatic sites with SABR can improve overall survival and progression-free survival, making it an invaluable option for those with limited metastatic spread. Additionally, the TRANSFORM trial highlighted that SABR can effectively prolong disease control in patients with oligometastatic disease.
The Benefits of SABR
SABR offers several advantages for both early-stage and oligometastatic lung cancer patients:
- High Precision: SABR uses advanced imaging to target tumours with sub-millimeter accuracy, minimising the risk of damaging nearby healthy tissues.
- Fewer Side Effects: By focusing radiation on the tumour alone, SABR reduces the risk of side effects like fatigue, difficulty swallowing, or damage to critical organs like the lungs and heart.
- Short Treatment Time: Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which can require up to 35 sessions, SABR is completed in just 1 to 10 sessions, reducing the overall treatment burden.
- Non-Invasive: As a non-surgical treatment, SABR eliminates the need for recovery time, allowing patients to quickly resume their normal lives.
How Pinpoint Radiotherapy Supports Your Treatment
At Pinpoint Radiotherapy, we specialise in delivering advanced stereotactic radiotherapy to treat lung cancer with precision and care. Our experienced team uses the latest imaging and treatment techniques to tailor every plan to the specific needs of each patient. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer or managing metastatic disease, we provide compassionate, personalised care that focuses on effective outcomes and minimal disruption to your life.
If you’re considering SABR for lung cancer treatment or want to learn more about how it can fit into your care plan, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at Pinpoint Radiotherapy to explore your treatment options with confidence.