Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)
Real-Time Accuracy That Supports Clinical and Financial Performance
Surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) is an approach used in radiation oncology to monitor a patient’s position and movement in real time on the linear accelerator during treatment. Using optical surface imaging, SGRT provides continuous, dose-free feedback on patient positioning without relying on markers, tattoos, or additional imaging.
Reimbursement and documentation expectations vary by payer and site of service, but many clinics are taking a closer look at motion management and treatment delivery workflows. As a result, SGRT is often evaluated not only for clinical accuracy, but also for workflow consistency and documentation support, including CPT 77412 considerations (billing, coverage, and documentation requirements vary by payer and setting). From a budgeting standpoint, breaking even on an SGRT system investment can happen in less than a year.
SGRT Operational and Clinical Impact
By providing continuous, dose-free surface monitoring, SGRT supports consistent patient setup, early detection of motion, and greater confidence in treatments affected by respiratory or patient movement. SGRT can also reduce reliance on tattoos or markers in many workflows and help standardize setup across multi-fraction courses, supporting smoother day-to-day delivery for therapists and physicists.
Common SGRT Use Cases
SGRT is commonly used when motion management and positioning reproducibility are priorities—especially for treatments affected by respiratory motion or where intrafraction monitoring can improve confidence during delivery.
Common SGRT use case examples include:
- Breast, including left-sided cases and monitored breath-hold workflows
- Thoracic and abdominal treatments affected by respiratory motion
- SRS/SBRT and other hypofractionated workflows where motion control is critical
- Setup reproducibility support across multi-fraction treatment courses
Why Choose ROS for SGRT Solutions?
Radiology Oncology Systems works closely with radiation oncology clinics to support the successful adoption of new technologies. When you work with ROS, you benefit from:
- Project Planning: Planning and installation coordination
- Clinical Training: Workflow adoption and training support
- Long-Term Support: Ongoing service and support from the ROS team
For Varian and Elekta environments, ROS can help confirm SGRT compatibility, integration requirements, and workflow options (including beam-hold/gating where applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions About SGRT
Surface-guided radiation therapy uses optical surface imaging to monitor patient position and movement in real time during radiation treatment, helping clinicians manage motion and improve setup accuracy without additional imaging dose.
IGRT relies on periodic imaging to verify patient position, while SGRT provides continuous, dose-free surface monitoring throughout treatment delivery. SGRT is often used alongside IGRT to enhance motion management.
Yes. SGRT is commonly used to support respiratory motion management by continuously monitoring patient breathing patterns and motion during treatment. This includes applications such as guided breathing and monitored breath-hold workflows, particularly for thoracic and breast cancer treatments.
In many workflows, SGRT can reduce or eliminate the need for permanent skin markers by providing real-time surface tracking and visual feedback during setup and treatment.
Reimbursement and documentation expectations vary by payer and site of service, but many clinics are taking a closer look at motion management and treatment delivery workflows. As a result, SGRT is often evaluated not only for clinical accuracy, but also for workflow consistency and documentation support, including CPT 77412 considerations. Billing rules, coverage, and documentation requirements vary by payer and site of service.
SGRT compatibility depends on your linac model, software version, and the availability of validated interfaces for functions like beam hold, gating, and workflow integration. ROS can review your current Varian or Elekta environment and confirm configuration options based on your clinical workflow and treatment goals.
Featured SGRT System Available Through ROS: C-RAD Catalyst+ LITE
Radiology Oncology Systems (ROS) is an authorized distributor of new C-RAD surface-guided radiation therapy systems, supporting radiation oncology clinics with equipment delivery, project coordination, and long-term service.
The C-RAD Catalyst+ LITE is a streamlined SGRT solution designed to bring surface guidance into the treatment room efficiently. Using optical surface tracking, the Catalyst+ LITE monitors patient position in real time during radiation therapy delivery, helping clinics improve setup confidence and manage intra-fraction motion.
With a simplified, single-camera configuration, the Catalyst+ LITE offers a practical entry point for radiation oncology centers adopting SGRT as part of modern motion management workflows.
Key Benefits of the C-RAD Catalyst+ LITE
Key benefits include real-time surface monitoring, marker-free tracking, improved setup accuracy, motion management support, and efficient SGRT adoption.
C-RAD Catalyst+ LITE FAQs
The C-RAD Catalyst+ LITE is designed to integrate into modern radiation therapy environments. ROS can help assess compatibility based on your current equipment and clinical needs.
Catalyst+ LITE is a streamlined entry configuration designed to bring SGRT into the treatment room efficiently. Catalyst+ and Catalyst+ HD generally refer to higher-end configurations on the same platform that can support more advanced room setups and workflow options depending on site needs. ROS can help determine the right configuration based on your room geometry, clinical goals, and integration requirements.
Implementation typically includes room and workflow planning, equipment placement considerations, integration review with your treatment platform, installation scheduling, and clinical training for therapists and physicists. ROS supports clinics through the full process—from planning and coordination through go-live and ongoing support.
C-RAD SGRT can support active motion-management during treatment, but CPT 77412 is not billed just because SGRT is used. The code depends on the complexity of the treatment delivery and the documentation supporting it. Setup-only surface guidance typically isn’t enough, while real-time monitoring with defined intervention (like pausing for motion out of tolerance) may support a more complex delivery workflow.
Learn More About SGRT at ROS
If you are evaluating surface-guided radiation therapy or exploring motion management solutions for your clinic, ROS can help you evaluate SGRT workflows, room requirements, and compatibility with your current linac platform.