Advanced Stereotactic Radiosurgery Safely Treats Brain Tumors
Patients with small, benign or malignant brain tumors can now receive advanced, non-invasive treatment via stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) at the RGHS Lipson Cancer Center. SRS involves high doses of radiation delivered with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue in a single high-dose treatment. Lipson’s skilled clinical teams perform this advanced procedure using state-of-the-art technology and a total commitment to patient-focused care.
SRS is often used to slow the growth of small, deep brain tumors that are hard to remove during surgery. Such therapy may also be used in patients who are normally not optimal candidates for surgery, such as the elderly or those who are ill.
Because the SRS procedure does not involve an incision, discomfort and the risks of infection or excessive bleeding are minimized. Other benefits include shorter recovery periods than traditional surgery, and the eliminated need for general anesthesia in adult patients.
At Lipson Cancer Center, the two-day stereotactic radiosurgery procedure begins with a planning MRI scan that reveals the tumor’s exact location. The physicians use the X-ray images in conjunction with an electronic treatment planning system to determine specific treatment areas and appropriate radiation doses for each area. When the patient returns the following day, a stabilization frame is positioned on their head to prevent movement during the treatment. A planning CT scan is then performed and fused to the diagnostic MRI for treatment planning purposes.
The SRS treatment is typically delivered at the end of the day. A linear accelerator delivers high-energy X-rays that are shaped as they exit the machine to conform to the shape of the tumor, minimizing risk to surrounding normal tissue. Patients are typically able to return home that day, with a follow-up visit four to six weeks later.
For tumors that are larger or located near more critical areas in the brain, Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy – using lower-dose treatments delivered over a longer time period – is also an available treatment option.
For details about the procedures and benefits of stereotactic radiosurgery, call 585.922.4020 or visit www.rochestergeneral.org/lipson-cancer-center.