Department of Radiation Oncology

Stereotactic radiotherapy is a very precise form of image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) where strictly defined target volumes – benign and malignant tumors – are treated with high radiation doses. To achieve a precision within 1 millimeter, the body part in question has to be positioned and fixated very carefully. A steep dose gradient to the surrounding normal tissue guarantees optimal protection of healthy cells. The radiation dose is applied in 1 to 10 therapy sessions (fractions).

The term radiosurgery is used when only one fraction is applied. Similar to actual surgery, the tumor is treated in one single day.

Stereotactic radiotherapy / radiosurgery is most commonly used in cases of brain tumors, but in recent years its application in tumors of the lung, liver, kidneys and metastases of the bone has become indispensable.

The Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg is among the leading radiation centers on a national and international level in the use of this method. We utilize Varian TrueBeam STX Novalis Radiosurgery equipment, which is specially adapted to the requirements of stereotactic radiation.

Moreover, we initiate and participate in national and international clinical trials to develop new and innovative treatment regimens.