How do you talk with your patients regarding radiographic expectations on surveillance CT after lung SBRT?

In general, especially when I have a discussion about the 3-month follow-up scan and tell patients that the lesion may likely be stable in size, which is often normal, and not to panic. There may also be post-radiation changes that make it more difficult to initially interpret. I think this highligh...

I begin by explaining that a scar will form around the tumor as the immune system works to clear away the cancer debris and the small area of lung affected by the high-energy x-rays. I then clarify the expected time course for these changes, which typically are not visible until 3–6 months after tre...

This has become a crucial part of patient care in the era of patients having access to their scan results. It is common for radiologists to state “concern for tumor progression” and for the patients to see that before their follow-up visit with you. I now tell patients that their scans will be read ...

I agree with these responses so far. Dr. @Dr. First Last also wrote this 2024 PRO editorial, with a decision tree for how to practically assess radiographic changes after lung SBRT.