I was recently honored to be interviewed by two major publications in Colombia—La Nota Económica and La Patria—to discuss how Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is transforming cancer treatment in the region. These interviews focused on SGRT’s clinical and emotional benefits for patients, and how its introduction is setting a new standard in radiation oncology across the Americas. This article summarizes those discussions, highlighting how SGRT supports precision, safety, and dignity for every patient—and every care team.
As radiation oncology professionals—physicists, oncologists, and therapists alike—we share a common goal: to deliver the most effective, patient-centered care possible. SGRT is a powerful tool that allows us to do just that. I invite colleagues across the Americas and beyond to explore how this technology can support your practice and your patients. I’m grateful to La Nota Económica and La Patria for helping raise awareness of this important advancement, and to C-RAD for leading the way in SGRT innovation worldwide.
Across Colombia and the Americas, radiation oncology is evolving—not only in how we treat cancer, but in how we support patients throughout their journey. SGRT is a significant part of this transformation, offering a precise, non-invasive approach that benefits patients and care teams alike.
Radiation therapy without tattoos: precise care, lasting comfort
For years, permanent tattoos have been standard for patient setup in radiotherapy—small marks that guide beam alignment. While clinically effective, these marks can be emotionally burdensome, serving as lasting reminders of a difficult chapter. As a medical physicist working with C-RAD, I’ve had the privilege of helping introduce SGRT, which eliminates the need for these marks while enhancing clinical precision. It’s an advancement that impacts every member of the care team.
SGRT uses 3D surface imaging to monitor patient positioning and movement in real time. This enables sub-millimeter accuracy, ensuring radiation reaches the intended target—even as the patient breathes or shifts—without skin markings. The system adapts dynamically to anatomical changes, delivering personalized, responsive care in every session.
From a medical physics perspective, SGRT elevates confidence in treatment accuracy. For radiation oncologists, it ensures therapeutic doses are maximized while critical structures are protected. For radiation therapists, it streamlines setup and enhances safety—providing real-time visual confirmation before and during beam delivery.
Most importantly, SGRT transforms the patient’s experience. By eliminating tattoos, we remove a source of psychological distress. Patients can focus on healing, free from visible reminders of their illness.
In Colombia, SGRT is in use at leading institutions in Bogotá, and adoption is expanding rapidly through C-RAD and our partner, Bimedco. This is not just a clinical upgrade; it is a cultural shift in how we deliver radiation therapy. At the recent congress, “90 Years of Transformation for Cancer Control in Colombia,” I spoke about SGRT’s impact—and it’s clear that across disciplines, our community is united in pursuing precision and compassion in care.
C-RAD is a global leader in SGRT, with systems in over 40 countries. Our mission is to support care teams with tools that are not only clinically advanced but also designed with patient dignity in mind. SGRT is becoming the standard for tattoo-free, high-precision radiotherapy—empowering professionals to deliver safer, more effective, and more humane treatments.
Together, as a multidisciplinary team, we have the opportunity to not only improve outcomes but also transform how cancer care is experienced. SGRT is one of many ways we can ensure that every treatment is a step toward healing—not a scar left behind.
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