Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Tumors
Stereotactic Radiosurgery treats cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors that are four centimeters (about an inch and a half) or less in diameter, including malignant gliomas, acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, and brain metastases. It is often used to slow down the growth of small, deep brain tumors that are hard to remove during surgery. Such therapy may also be used in patients who are unable to have surgery, such as the elderly or those who are very sick. In addition, this type of treatment may also be used after surgery to treat any remaining abnormal tissue.

Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which is done daily over a four to six week time period, Stereotactic Radiosurgery is done in one treatment.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery uses multiple beams of radiation to give a highly focused form of radiation treatment to kill the tumor cells in a very small area. Each beam of radiation isn't particularly powerful, but the point where all the beams meet — at the brain tumor — receives a very large dose of radiation to kill the tumor cells.

Treatment Description

During treatment, patients lie on a table, under a machine that delivers radiation beams. The machine rotates around the patient while it delivers treatment.
Sometimes, a head frame may be attached to the scalp to help keep the patient very still during treatment. At other times, a special plastic mask fitted for the patient’s face may be used.
The entire procedure, including the planning stage, takes about half a day or less. Patients receive the radiation treatment for about 30 minutes. Some patients receive therapy more than once.