(Photo: KBC Rijeka)
On World Cancer Day, 4 February, the University Hospital Centre Rijeka (KBC Rijeka) marked a major milestone in Croatian oncology as the first patients with lung tumours successfully underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), one of the most advanced and precise forms of cancer radiotherapy available today.
The procedure was carried out using newly installed, state-of-the-art radiotherapy equipment, positioning KBC Rijeka at the forefront of modern cancer treatment within Croatia’s public healthcare system.
Following the earlier successful introduction of stereotactic radiotherapy for brain tumours, the hospital has now expanded this cutting-edge approach to lung cancer, representing a significant step forward in treatment availability and quality.
SBRT is an innovative radiotherapy technique that delivers very high doses of radiation to tumours with extreme precision, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
This is particularly challenging in the lungs, where tumours move naturally with breathing.
The method relies on advanced imaging guidance and specialised patient immobilisation systems, allowing clinicians to accurately target tumours despite respiratory motion.
Treatment is delivered in a small number of sessions, typically between one and five, and up to a maximum of eight fractions, with each dose having a powerful tumour-destroying effect.
Clinical evidence shows that SBRT achieves excellent local tumour control, comparable to surgical resection in carefully selected patients. Its non-invasive nature makes it especially suitable for elderly patients, those with significant comorbidities, and patients whose tumours are located in areas unsuitable for surgery.
With the introduction of SBRT for lung tumours, KBC Rijeka has become the first public healthcare institution in Croatia to offer stereotactic radiotherapy for both primary lung cancers and lung metastases.
Professor Alen Ružić, Director of KBC Rijeka, highlighted the significance of the achievement:
“Stereotactic radiotherapy represents the most modern form of treatment and is comparable in precision to Gamma Knife technology. The full value of the three new devices we have acquired comes from the expertise of our highly trained staff. After successfully implementing stereotactic treatment for brain tumours, KBC Rijeka has now become the first public hospital to introduce this method for lung tumours as well. This is a major step forward for our patients and a strong motivation for our medical teams.”
(Photo: KBC Rijeka)
Eliminating waiting lists and raising standards
This development is the result of long-term strategic investment, continuous staff education and multidisciplinary collaboration. All three new linear accelerators at KBC Rijeka are now fully operational, enabling the complete elimination of radiotherapy waiting lists.
Alongside SBRT for lung cancer, the hospital has introduced a range of advanced radiotherapy techniques, including deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) and stereotactic brain radiotherapy. Patients now have full access to all forms of oncological treatment without delays, delivered according to international clinical standards.
The Clinic for Tumours at KBC Rijeka now stands alongside leading global oncology centres, offering comprehensive, multimodal cancer care within a public health system.
Preparation for SBRT requires detailed CT imaging and close coordination between a multidisciplinary team, including radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, medical physicists, radiotherapy technologists and internists.
SBRT is indicated for newly diagnosed primary lung cancers in patients unsuitable for surgery, as well as for selected lung metastases. Both single and multiple metastatic lesions may be treated, provided they meet internationally defined criteria for size, volume and disease stage, and the patient’s overall condition is favourable.
Results from SBRT treatment are highly encouraging, demonstrating significant tumour volume reduction and decreased biological activity, contributing to effective disease control.
(Photo: KBC Rijeka)
KBC Rijeka is the first hospital in Croatia to complete a comprehensive renewal of its radiotherapy equipment, with total investment exceeding €12.2 million.
The project was funded through Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, supported by the Croatian Government and the Ministry of Health.
Over the past 18 months, the Clinic for Tumours has received three of the latest generation linear accelerators, including one capable of both stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and SBRT.
This was accompanied by more than two years of continuous and structured professional training for all staff involved in radiotherapy delivery.
Strict treatment protocols and safety procedures, aligned with the highest international standards, were developed prior to the launch of SBRT for lung cancer, ensuring maximum patient safety and treatment effectiveness.