Frequently Asked Questions
The questions patients ask about SABR, answered by our specialists
Patients considering SABR often have questions about the treatment and whether it could be appropriate for their particular situation. Our specialist team discusses this during clinical assessment, reviewing scans, previous treatment and the wider clinical picture.
We want you to have access to the same clear, considered information when researching SABR and planning your next conversation with a specialist.
FAQ About SABR
Answers to Your SABR Treatment Questions
No jargon, no vague reassurance, just direct answers from the people who deliver this treatment.
SABR & Treatment
How many sessions of SABR will I need?
Most patients need between one and five sessions, compared with several weeks of daily treatment with conventional radiotherapy. The exact number depends on the size, number and location of the tumours being treated, and will be confirmed as part of your personalised treatment plan.
Is SABR painful?
No. SABR is delivered like an X-ray or CT scan. You will not feel the radiation during treatment. Some patients experience mild soreness or irritation in the treated area in the days afterwards, depending on where the tumour was, but the session itself is not painful.
What are the side effects of SABR?
Most people experience only mild, short-lived effects such as fatigue for one to two weeks, or skin irritation similar to mild sunburn in the treated area. Effects vary by location treated, for example a slight cough after lung treatment or mild nausea after treatment near the stomach or liver. Serious side effects are uncommon, affecting fewer than 2 in 100 patients.
How does SABR differ from standard radiotherapy?
Standard radiotherapy delivers lower doses over many sessions, often daily for several weeks, to a broader area. SABR delivers a much higher, precisely shaped dose to a small, well-defined target in far fewer sessions, while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Can I drive myself to and from treatment?
Most patients drive themselves and continue working around sessions, since SABR is delivered as an outpatient with no sedation involved. Some prefer a lift for the first session until they know how they respond. Fatigue can build over the course, so plan for some rest afterwards.
Will I need to stay in hospital for SABR?
No. SABR is entirely outpatient. Each session, including setup, typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, and you go home the same day.
Can I be treated near vital organs such as the heart or brain?
Yes. SABR’s precision means it can safely treat tumours close to structures where surgery would carry high risk, including the spine, liver, brain, heart and major airways. Whether this is appropriate for your specific tumour depends on its exact size and position.
How long does it take before I know whether SABR has worked?
There’s no immediate visible result. Radiation stops cancer cells dividing, but the tumour takes weeks to months to shrink or stabilise. Follow-up scans are scheduled at set intervals, so no change on an early scan is expected, not a sign of failure.
Can SABR be repeated if new areas of cancer appear later?
Yes. Because SABR treats defined areas individually, it can be used again for new metastases in different locations, provided each site is suitable. Whether a specific site can be retreated depends on prior radiation exposure to nearby tissue and your individual case.
What happens if scans show inflammation instead of tumour shrinkage?
Early scans can show swelling or scarring that looks similar to active disease. This is a normal radiation response, not necessarily a sign treatment has failed. Your oncologist interprets changes across a series of scans, not a single result.
SABR Suitability and Next Steps
Is SABR suitable for stage 4 or metastatic cancer?
SABR is useful for some patients with stage 4 cancer, particularly when disease has spread to a limited number of sites rather than widely. It isn’t suitable for every metastatic case. Suitability depends on how many areas are affected, where they are, and your response to treatment so far.
What is oligometastatic cancer
Oligometastatic cancer means the disease has spread to a small number of specific sites, typically one to five, rather than throughout the body. This can sometimes be targeted directly with SABR to control or eliminate each site, whereas widespread disease is usually managed with systemic drug treatment.
My treatment is working, but a few areas are growing. Can SABR help without stopping it?
Yes. This is called oligoprogression. SABR can target just the growing areas while you stay on the systemic treatment that’s otherwise working, potentially keeping you on an effective drug regimen for longer.
I've only been offered chemotherapy or palliative care. Could SABR change my options?
It’s worth getting a specialist assessment. Not every patient has been assessed specifically for oligometastatic or oligoprogressive treatment, which is where SABR is most likely to make a difference. An independent review of your scans and history can clarify whether targeted treatment is realistically an option.
Am I likely to be suitable for SABR?
Suitability depends mainly on the number and location of your metastases, how they’ve responded to treatment, and your general fitness for a short outpatient course. It can’t be judged from a diagnosis alone, which is why assessing your specific scans is the necessary first step.
What scans or tests will I need before an assessment can be made?
Assessment is based on your existing imaging, typically CT, PET or MRI, alongside treatment history. Scans you already have from your NHS or existing care team are often sufficient for an initial review, though further imaging may be recommended before finalising a treatment plan.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed for SABR?
No. You can request a specialist assessment directly, and enquiries are usually reviewed by the treating oncologist the same day.
Can I have SABR privately alongside NHS treatment?
Yes. Private SABR can run alongside NHS care rather than replacing it. Many patients continue NHS oncology treatment or monitoring while accessing SABR privately. Tell both teams about all treatment you’re receiving so your care stays coordinated.
How quickly can treatment start once I've been assessed as suitable?
Private treatment can often begin within days of consultation once planning scans and your treatment plan are complete. Exact timing depends on scan availability and plan complexity.
How is the decision made on whether to treat with SABR now or wait and monitor?
This depends on how your disease is behaving: whether it’s a single new area of progression, how it compares with previous scans, and whether treating now would meaningfully change your options later. Your oncologist bases this on a sequence of findings over time, not a single scan.
Speak to the Team
Connect With Our Clinical Team
Whether you have a specific question or simply want to understand your options, our team will provide clear guidance and an honest assessment of what treatment could look like for you.
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