Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery

Stereotactic spine radiosurgery is an advanced, noninvasive radiation treatment that uses highly focused beams of radiation to precisely target and destroy spinal tumors. This technique minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, organs, nerves, and blood vessels, offering a safe, nonsurgical alternative for treating both cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the spine.

UPMC is among the most experienced centers globally in performing stereotactic spine radiosurgery. More than 2,000 patients from around the world have sought treatment at UPMC to benefit from our team’s expertise in managing spinal tumors and lesions using this innovative approach.

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What Is Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery?

Spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a highly precise form of radiation therapy that utilizes three-dimensional imaging to deliver concentrated radiation beams to spinal tumors. This technology allows for exceptional accuracy while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

Who performs stereotactic spine radiosurgery?

A multidisciplinary team of specialists administers stereotactic spine radiosurgery, including:

• Neurosurgeons
• Radiation oncologists
• Medical physicists

These experts work together to ensure the most effective and personalized treatment plan for each patient.

Conditions treated with stereotactic spine radiosurgery

Stereotactic spine radiosurgery is effective in treating a variety of spinal conditions, including:

• Meningioma
• Metastatic spinal tumors
• Primary spinal tumors.
• Neurofibroma
• Schwannoma
• Vascular malformations

Why Would I Need Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery?

You may need stereotactic spine radiosurgery if you have a spinal tumor and are not a candidate for traditional open surgery. It may also be recommended as a follow-up treatment after spinal tumor resection to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.

Benefits of stereotactic spine radiosurgery

Stereotactic spine radiosurgery offers several advantages, including:

• Effective tumor control – High-precision targeting.
• Fewer treatment sessions – Many cases require only one session.
• Minimal side effects – Less damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Minimally invasive – No incisions or blood loss.
• Outpatient procedure – Same-day treatment and rapid recovery.

Who is a candidate for stereotactic spine radiosurgery?

You may be eligible for stereotactic spine radiosurgery if:

• You are not a candidate for traditional surgery.
• You have received previous radiation treatment to the spine.
• You require additional radiation after surgery.
• Your tumor is inoperable.

Alternatives to stereotactic spine radiosurgery

Alternative treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy.
• Conventional radiation therapy.
• Microsurgery.
• Minimally invasive spine surgery.
• Open spinal surgery.
• Robotic-assisted spine surgery.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery?

While stereotactic spine radiosurgery is generally safe, potential risks and complications may include:

• Headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness).
• Skin irritation, hair loss, or swelling near the treatment site.
• Fatigue.

What Should I Expect From Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery?

Before treatment: How to prepare

Before undergoing treatment, you will meet with your care team for an evaluation, which may include:

• Blood and urine tests – To assess overall health and detect any infections.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) – To check heart function.
• MRI and X-ray imaging – To provide detailed views of the tumor.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions, such as:

• Fasting for a designated period before the procedure.
• Informing the team of any allergies, existing medical conditions, or current medications.
• Stopping certain medications, especially blood thinners, as advised.

Since stereotactic spine radiosurgery is an outpatient procedure, arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

During treatment

• You will be positioned on a treatment table, and imaging scans will be taken to confirm the tumor location.
• Your care team will use these scans to program the stereotactic radiosurgery system.
• The radiation system will deliver targeted radiation beams without making any incisions.
• The procedure typically lasts several hours, but you will remain awake and comfortable.

After treatment: Recovery and follow-up

Following the procedure:

• You will be monitored for a short period before being discharged.
• Mild side effects, such as headache or nausea, may occur but usually resolve quickly.
• You can resume normal activities, diet, and medications as soon as you feel ready.

When to call your doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• Fever above 100.0°F.
• Difficulty breathing or walking.
• Severe pain unrelieved by medication.
• New or worsening neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, or loss of balance).
• Excessive redness, swelling, or drainage at the treatment site.

Prognosis and success rate

Most patients return to full, active lives following stereotactic spine radiosurgery. Success rates depend on tumor size, location, and type, but the procedure generally provides excellent pain relief and long-term tumor control.

Why Choose UPMC for Stereotactic Spine Radiosurgery?

UPMC is a global leader in stereotactic spine radiosurgery. Our neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists leverage cutting-edge technology and pioneering techniques to deliver world-class care. Patients worldwide seek treatment at UPMC due to our extensive expertise and commitment to innovation in spine radiosurgery.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-05-16.