Introduction

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an approach to radiation therapy utilizing multiple convergent beams, precise localization with a stereotactic coordinate system, rigid immobilization, and single-fraction treatment.[1] Extracranial SRS is also referred to as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), and these terms are used interchangeably in this chapter. [2],[3] The application of SRS/SBRT/SABR to tumors in the thorax may offer an alternative to surgery in the management of patients with lung neoplasm.[4],[5],[6],[7],[8],[9]

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers behind only breast cancer with nearly 2 million cases a year globally. However, lung cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer.[10][11], In 2022, an estimated 236,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and an estimated 130,000 Americans are expected to die from the disease.[12] In this chapter, we will the review how SBRT differs from external beam radiotherapy (EBR), and how SBRT has evolved. In addition, we will review the use of SBRT to treat lung cancer covering potential indications for SBRT, patient selection, the results of SBRT treatment, and quality of life after treatment. SBRT treatment of a variety of lung neoplasms, including primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), recurrent lung cancer, persistent cancer in a previously irradiated field, and pulmonary metastases, will be discussed.