SABR Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy (SABR) uses modern technology to target tumours with an accuracy of 1–2 millimetres. It delivers high doses of radiation to the cancer while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy organs, which helps reduce the risk of side effects.1,2

  • SABR is used to treat a range of cancer types, including lung, prostate, liver, bone/spine, and kidney cancers. It is particularly suited to soft tissue tumours and those located in complex anatomy4
  • In some cases, SABR can be an alternative to surgery for small to medium-sized cancers. This may avoid the need for an anaesthetic and the risks of an operation, especially for patients who are elderly, frail, or have other health concerns1,3
  • Patients typically require 1–5 SABR treatment sessions; the specific number will depend on your individual circumstances1

Your treating doctor and care team will provide more details about SABR and whether it is suitable for your tumour type.

Image guidance for SABR

Imaging technology is an important consideration in the delivery of SABR, as it underpins the precision and safety of the treatment. 

Because SABR requires millimetre accuracy, it relies on imaging just before treatment to ensure the target is hit precisely every time.4

Advanced imaging assists in:

  • Tumour targeting with millimetre precision
  • Motion tracking to account for breathing or internal organ movement
  • Treatment adaption to adjust for changes in anatomy across treatment days
  • Treatment verification to confirm positioning before each session
     

Types of imaging technology

Three main imaging types are typically used for SABR:

Stereoscopic X-Ray imaging, commonly used in CyberKnife treatment, is an early form of image guidance. It offers a good level of accuracy for positioning and target verification; however, it may have limitations in soft tissue visualisation.

In more recent years more advanced 3D and real-time imaging technologies have become availale including:

  • CBCT (Cone-Beam CT) – provides detailed 3D images of bones and surrounding soft tissues
  • MRI-guided imaging – tracks soft tissue in real time with high clarity

CBCT technology is standard across all GenesisCare Linac machines and is used in IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy) and ART (Adaptive Radiation Therapy). Several GenesisCare locations also offer advanced MRI technology with soft tissue mapping.
 

Imaging comparison

Find a centre near you

Read next