Efficacy and safety of single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the curative treatment of extracranial primary Tumors: A collaborative systematic review on behalf of the SBRT Focus Group of the European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO)
In brief
Single-session radiation is safe and effective for selected primary tumors
A collaborative systematic review found single-fraction stereotactic radiation safe and effective for curative treatment of primary tumors at specific sites. The approach depends on careful patient selection and stringent treatment-planning and delivery technology; evidence gaps remain, and future trials are needed to clarify which patients benefit.
- Journal
- Clinical and translational radiation oncology (Q1)
- Published
- 1 October 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review of cohort studies
- Evidence level
- Level 2, Moderate (CEBM 2a)
- Authors
- Francesco Cuccia, Ciro Franzese, Suraiya Dubash, Valeria Dionisi, Thomas Brunner, Francesco Cellini, et al.
- PMID
- 42898625
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ctro.2026.101295
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Radiation Oncology (paper of the day, 22 October 2026): Systematic review of curative single-fraction SBRT evidence
Abstract
Single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SF-SBRT) represents one of the most advanced frontiers in modern radiation oncology. While ultra-hypofractionation has entered everyday clinical practice in different fields of the oncological care, curative treatments in one session are increasingly attractive for the potential favorable combination of logistic advantages with safety and clinical outcomes. This collaborative systematic review promoted by the ESTRO SBRT Focus Group in participation with members of different disease-site Focus Groups collects the available data in support of SF-SBRT for the curative treatment of the main extracranial primary tumors. The findings highlight that, for specific anatomical sites, SF-SBRT is both safe and effective though the results emphasize the critical importance of careful patient selection and mandatory technological requirements for treatment planning and delivery. This collaborative work provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence and identifies key knowledge gaps for future investigation and upcoming clinical trials.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.