A high-tech type of radiation treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been demonstrated to be a "highly effective" treatment in early-stage lung cancer for patients who are not eligible for surgery, according to a study co-authored by a physician at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center.

The treatment uses very large doses of high-energy radiation (x-rays) aimed directly at tumors with great precision and accuracy, thus sparing the surrounding, healthy tissue from damage. The process has been compared to "painting" with radiation.

Dr. Ronald McGarry, clinical associate professor and vice chairman of radiation medicine at the UK College of Medicine, says SBRT is becoming the new standard of treatment for early-stage lung cancers that cannot be treated surgically.

"I think of this as 'lung-sparing' treatment, in which many patients with early-stage lung cancer can have effective treatment in as few as three treatment sessions with a low risk of side effects," McGarry said…