Advanced Oncology & Radiotherapy
SABR (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy)
SABR is a fast, precise radiotherapy that targets tumours with millimetre accuracy. Completed in just 3–5 days, it offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery for prostate, lung, and kidney cancers with minimal recovery time.
Key takeaways
- SABR is a fast, precise radiotherapy that targets tumours with millimetre accuracy. Completed in just 3–5 days, it offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery for prostate, lung, and kidney cancers with minimal recovery time.
- Specialty: Advanced Oncology & Radiotherapy
3–5
Course usually within a weeksessions
96
5-yr success (prostate)%
20–45
Typical session lengthmin
Treatment Overview
About SABR (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy)
SABR (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy) is a modern, high-precision treatment that is significantly faster than traditional radiotherapy. Instead of visiting the hospital daily for several weeks, SABR uses advanced computer-guided beams to deliver concentrated doses in just 3 to 5 sessions.
By "ablating" (destroying) cancer cells with millimetre precision, it acts like a "virtual scalpel." It is a primary choice for localised prostate cancer and is recommended for small kidney tumours where surgery isn't preferred. It is designed to be "kinder" to the body, hitting the cancer hard while protecting the healthy organs nearby.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The primary benefit is convenience and quality of life. You can complete your entire course of treatment in a single week. Clinical evidence (such as the UK's PACE-B trial) shows that SABR is just as effective as surgery or long-term radiotherapy, boasting a 96% success rate at five years for prostate cancer.
Because it is non-invasive, there are no surgical scars, no overnight hospital stays, and a significantly lower risk of long-term issues like incontinence compared to traditional surgery.
02
Risks
While SABR is highly accurate, the higher dose per session means we must carefully monitor surrounding tissues. There is a small risk of "radiation-induced inflammation" in nearby areas—such as the bladder or bowel for prostate patients, or the ribs for chest treatments.
In approximately 2% of cases, this may lead to long-term minor scarring. However, modern UK clinics now use real-time tracking technology. This automatically pauses the beam if you move or take a deep breath, keeping the risk of "off-target" radiation extremely low.
03
Side Effects
Most patients find side effects manageable. You may experience fatigue (tiredness), usually starting a few days into treatment and lasting a week or two. If you are treated for prostate or kidney tumours, you might notice temporary changes to your bathroom habits, such as needing to pass urine more urgently or having looser stools.
Occasionally, a mild "sunburn" sensation may appear on the skin where the beams enter. These effects are typically temporary and rarely require treatment beyond extra rest and hydration.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your SABR (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy) journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
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Before Procedure
Your journey begins with a Planning Appointment. To ensure pinpoint accuracy, we create a custom-made "vacuum bag" or mould that fits your body perfectly. You will have CT and MRI scans while lying in this mould to map the tumour.
For prostate treatment, you will receive guidance on keeping a full bladder and an empty bowel to help shield healthy tissue. Some patients may have tiny gold fiducial markers (seeds) placed in the tumour a week prior; these act as "beacons" to help the scanner track the cancer in real-time.
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During Procedure
During each session, you will lie comfortably in your custom mould. The machine moves around you in arcs to deliver the beams from different angles, but it will never touch you.
The process is completely painless—you won't feel anything while the radiation is being delivered. Sessions last between 20 and 45 minutes. Many UK centres encourage you to bring your own music to help you stay relaxed while the clinical team monitors the procedure from the adjoining room.
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After Procedure
Recovery is immediate; you can usually drive yourself home and resume normal activities straight away. We recommend drinking plenty of fluids for the first week and staying active with gentle exercise like walking.
You will have a follow-up with your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) about a month later. Importantly, SABR does not make you "radioactive," so there are no restrictions on hugging loved ones, being around children, or pregnant partners after your treatment.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
Not at all. SABR uses external X-ray beams to treat the cancer.Once the machine is switched off, there is no radiation left in your body. It is completely safe to hug your family, play with your grandchildren, or be near pregnant women the moment you leave the hospital.
Reviewed 29 Mar 2026
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We take several steps to protect your bowel. First, your 'empty bowel' prep pushes it further away from the radiation. Second, the beams are shaped exactly to the size of your tumour, meaning they 'fall off' rapidly before they reach the bowel wall. In some cases, your doctor might even suggest a 'Spacer Gel' (SpaceOAR) which is a temporary gel injected between the prostate and bowel to create a protective 1cm gap.
Reviewed 29 Mar 2026
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It takes time for the cancer cells to die off after treatment. We usually check your progress with a blood test (like a PSA test) or a scan about 3 months after your final session. Don't be worried if the results don't change immediately; the 'ablative' effect of SABR continues to work in your body for several months after the treatment is finished.
Reviewed 29 Mar 2026
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