CPT® Code 77373

Stereotactic body radiation therapy, treatment delivery, per fraction to 1 or more lesions, including image guidance, entire course not to exceed 5 fractions

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a specialized form of radiation treatment that targets one or more lesions within the body with high precision. This technique employs advanced imaging guidance to ensure accurate delivery of radiation, which is crucial for minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment is administered in fractions, meaning that the total radiation dose is divided into smaller, manageable sessions, with the entire course of treatment not exceeding five fractions. Unlike traditional radiosurgery, which typically involves a single session, SBRT allows for a more gradual delivery of radiation, making it suitable for larger tumors or those located near critical structures. The process involves the use of computer-aided mapping to determine the exact three-dimensional coordinates of the target lesions, ensuring that the radiation is focused precisely where it is needed. To maintain stability during treatment and to protect healthy tissue, patients are often immobilized using removable frames, masks, or custom-fitted casts. The technology utilized in SBRT primarily involves linear accelerators, which generate high-energy x-rays to deliver the radiation. These machines can move during treatment, directing the radiation beam in various arcs to further reduce exposure to healthy tissues. Both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are employed for imaging guidance, with MRI being the preferred method due to its superior resolution and ability to differentiate between normal and tumor tissues. However, some linear accelerator systems may be compatible only with CT imaging. Overall, SBRT represents a significant advancement in the field of radiation therapy, providing effective treatment options for patients with specific tumor characteristics.