Radiation Oncology

Treatment Technology

Stereotactic Radiosurgery:
Treating Brain Tumors without Conventional Surgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a highly precise neurosurgical technique for the treatment of both benign and malignant tumors of the brain, as well as other abnormalities and functional disorders.

Through the use of specialized equipment and state-of-the art computer aided planning, it involves the delivery of a single dose of high-energy radiation in one treatment session.

Because it is delivered with such pinpoint accuracy to a targeted region within the brain, there is minimal risk to surrounding healthy brain tissue.

Stereotactic radiosurgery also may be used to treat brain lesions that are not surgically accessible, as an alternative to conventional surgery or as a boost to other treatments with a recurring or malignant tumor.

Since the role of stereotactic radiosurgery has been rapidly evolving in recent years, the appropriate use of this technology must be carefully discussed with your doctors.

How Stereotactic Radiosurgery Works
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, stereotactic radiosurgery does not remove the tumor. However, because is has such a dramatic effect in the target zone in just a single treatment session, the changes are considered “surgical.”

Stereotactic radiosurgery works the same as all other forms of radiation treatment. By delivering a focused, high dose of radiation, it damages the DNA of the lesion, thereby causing its destruction. The noninvasive technique does not require the use of a scalpel, but rather the invisible blade of radiation. This makes the procedure bloodless, while reducing the discomfort and complications of invasive surgery.

The Gamma Knife, a well-known form of stereotactic radiosurgery with a 30-year record of proven success, soon will be available at Monmouth Medical Center.

The Gamma Knife does not move, but instead utilizes multiple radiation sources to accurately target smaller tumors and lesions of the brain, and certain other functional disorders. This technique allows for increased accuracy in delivering treatment to the disease site, resulting in less damage to healthy tissue.

Body radiosurgery is delivered in fractionated stereotactic radiation treatments that are given over a period of days or weeks. They may be administered in the body with the assistance of removable masks and frames that achieve some degree of lesser mobilization.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is limited to the head and neck as these areas can be immobilized with skeletal fixation devices that completely restrict the head’s movement, permitting the most precise and accurate treatment. It also is available for some head and neck, and lung cancers.

Additional information on stereotactic radiosurgery, including Gamma Knife technology, is available from the National Cancer Institute, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Cancer Society.

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