Pancreatic Cancer
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) and its side effects
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) or radiosurgery is a form of highly focused radiotherapy. It delivers a high dose of radiation in a single or small number of treatments. SABR isn't widely available in hospitals in the UK.
Here, people talk about their experiences of having CyberKnife™ which is the brand name of a type machine that gives SABR.
CyberKnife treatment requires no anaesthestic and patients can usually be treated and go home on the same day.
A consultant explains that CyberKnife is focused radiotherapy, and that it has some potential...
A consultant explains that CyberKnife is focused radiotherapy, and that it has some potential...
Two men told us about their CyberKnife™ treatment at a private clinic. Michael had a Whipple’s operation followed by chemoradiotherapy but the cancer came back later. He was delighted when doctors decided he was suitable for CyberKnife™ treatment.
Peter’s pancreatic cancer was not suitable for surgery. He had some chemotherapy and then heard about SABR. He asked his consultant to refer him to a doctor in a private clinic that provided this treatment.
Michael explained why the doctors decided that CyberKnife treatment was suitable for him. His...
Michael explained why the doctors decided that CyberKnife treatment was suitable for him. His...
Before SABR takes place, you will have a scan to take pictures of the tumour. This is so that doctors can plan the treatment.
Peter had a PET scan so that doctors could make sure he was suitable for CyberKnife. The next...
Peter had a PET scan so that doctors could make sure he was suitable for CyberKnife. The next...
Michael described what happened when his tumour was marked with tiny particles of gold (fiducials...
Michael described what happened when his tumour was marked with tiny particles of gold (fiducials...
During treatment you will inside a plastic mould that is specially made to the shape of your body. This is to help you keep still for the treatment.
During the CyberKnife treatment Michael had to lie very still for an hour. He liked the...
During the CyberKnife treatment Michael had to lie very still for an hour. He liked the...
Peter described what CyberKnife treatment was like. It was painless and he listened to music that...
Peter described what CyberKnife treatment was like. It was painless and he listened to music that...
Three days, June 1st, June 2nd, June 3rd.
Side effects of SABR
The side effects of SABR are similar to radiotherapy. There are fewer treatments with SABR but the risk of bleeding and bowel ulceration is higher than for standard radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Michael had some quite bad side effects but Peter had none.
After CyberKnife Michael had indigestion, nausea and felt exhausted. He found it hard to sleep...
After CyberKnife Michael had indigestion, nausea and felt exhausted. He found it hard to sleep...
Last reviewed November 2020.
Last updated November 2020.