Understanding SBRT for Prostate Cancer

SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) is a highly focused form of radiation treatment that allows many prostate cancer patients to complete treatment in just five sessions. This video explains how SBRT works, what happens during treatment, common side effects, and what to expect during follow-up care.

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Developed in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Read the full video transcript below:

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If you’ve been told you’ll be receiving SBRT for prostate cancer, this video will walk you through what that means and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

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SBRT, or stereotactic body radiation therapy, is a type of radiation treatment that delivers very focused, high-dose radiation to the prostate over 5 treatments. The goal is to effectively treat the cancer while limiting radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues, such as the bladder and rectum.

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Radiation therapy works by using high-energy beams to damage cancer cells so they can no longer grow and divide. Over time, your body naturally clears these damaged cells away. Radiation does not work all at once—cancer cells continue to die for weeks or even months after treatment ends.

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Before your first treatment, you may have a planning visit called a simulation. During this appointment, imaging scans are taken to help your care team map out your treatment. Small permanent skin markings, often tiny tattoo dots, may be placed to help position you the same way each day.

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You’ll also receive instructions about bowel and bladder preparation. Having an empty rectum and a comfortably full bladder helps keep the prostate in the same position for each treatment and helps protect nearby healthy tissue.

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SBRT for prostate cancer is typically delivered in five treatments over one to three weeks. Each visit usually lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

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During treatment, you’ll lie still on a flat procedure table. Imaging is done each day to confirm everything is lined up properly before radiation is delivered. You will not see or feel the radiation, though you may hear the machine moving around you.

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You are not radioactive during or after treatment, and it’s safe to be around other people, including children and pets.

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Many people tolerate SBRT very well, but side effects can occur. Common short-term effects include urinary changes such as needing to urinate more often or urgently, mild burning with urination, bowel changes like looser stools or increased gas, and fatigue that may build gradually over time.

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Most side effects are mild and improve within weeks to months after treatment ends. If side effects do occur, your care team can help you manage them.

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After SBRT, you’ll have follow-up visits with your care team to monitor your recovery and response to treatment. Some effects can appear months later, so it’s important to report any new urinary, bowel, or sexual changes—even well after treatment is finished.

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SBRT is a well-established and effective treatment for prostate cancer. Your radiation team will tailor your care to you and guide you through each step of the process. If you have questions or concerns at any point, don’t hesitate to ask.

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This video is not medical advice.  Always talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

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