Optic-guided stereotactic radiotherapy.

Stereotactic localization provides a powerful referencing system for radiation planning and treatment delivery. Although the standard approach of applying a rigid reference frame has been accepted for single-fraction therapy, a new, noninvasive approach is needed for fractionated therapy. The use of optical tracking allows a patient's position to be monitored in real time with a truly touch-free system. Our optical system provides high precision and accuracy for repeat fixation and can be applied to a wide spectrum of patients. With this system, a stereotactic radiation treatment can be delivered in the same length of time as a routine fractionated radiation treatment.