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Illustration of a medical machine, featuring a main console with a digital display, control buttons, typically used for patient monitoring or diagnostic purposes.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for kidney cancer

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is a highly focused radiation treatment. It can be used to treat small kidney tumours in patients who cannot have surgery or ablation because of age or other health conditions. It may also be used to treat areas where kidney cancer has spread (metastases).

Understanding the treatment

SBRT uses focused radiation to treat the tumour. It gives a high dose of radiation directly to the tumour, in just a few sessions (usually 1 to 5). This helps stop the cancer from growing. The treatment is very precise. Special scans and planning tools are used to make sure the radiation targets only the tumour and avoids healthy parts of the body.

You do not need to go to sleep (no anaesthesia), and you do not need to stay in the hospital. Most people go home the same day and feel well enough to do light activities soon after.

This chapter contains general information about SBRT for kidney cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: July 2026

Reviewed by (2026 update): 

  • Ms. Rose Woodward (EAU Guidelines Panel on Renal Cell Cancer)
  • Dr. Stephanie Bonn (EAU Guidelines Panel on Renal Cell Cancer)