Stereotactic body radiotherapy/stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for lung cancer

Technological advances in radiation oncology have led to clinical implementation of novel treatment modality. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)/stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is an emerging treatment paradigm as a result of image-guidance technology and more sophisticated computational treatment planning system. SBRT/SABR, an example of computational radiosurgery, is a continuum of advances in computational surgery. The role of SBRT/SABR is most important in the management of lung cancer for early primary lung cancer and in oligometastatic lung disease. SBRT/SABR combines the challenges of patient/tumor/normal tissues motion with that of meeting the stringent dosimetric requirements of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Target delineation, image guidance, patient immobilization, computer-assisted treatment planning, and delivery are essential in the safe and successful practice of SBRT/SABR. Radio-biologic rationale, technical and clinical aspects of SBRT/SABR in the treatment of both primary and metastatic lung cancer as well as the future challenges will be addressed.