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STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY, STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY, WHAT DO THESE TERMS MEAN?
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY is the non-invasive delivery of a precise single dose of high-energy radiation to a tumor or lesion. Although it is called surgery, there is actually no incision and it is often performed on an outpatient basis - eliminating the complications and substantial recovery time associated with traditional surgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery uses radiation to shrink or control the growth of a tumor by killing tumor cells and interfering with their ability to grow.

STEREOTACTIC RADIOTHERAPY involves the same amount of radiation as radiosurgery, but is delivered in smaller doses, in a series of treatments, over a period of time. This improves the effectiveness of the treatment while avoiding radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue and organs – or, if treating the brain, critical structures such as the optic nerve or brain stem.

NOVALIS® SHAPED BEAM SURGERY™ is the most advanced approach to stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy available today. Novalis® continuously shapes the treatment beam to match the size and shape of a tumor from all angles, ensuring that the tumor receives the full prescription dose of radiation, while protecting healthy tissue. Shaping the beam to the exact dimensions of the tumor is the latest and most technologically advanced approach for treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery. The procedure, which is done on an outpatient basis, is virtually painless and the patient remains awake for the entire procedure. In most cases, patients undergo treatment in the morning and can return to their normal routine by the afternoon.

The Novalis® Shaped Beam Surgery™ system is being used at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center to treat a wide range of cancers and tumors, including:

PRIMARY BRAIN TUMORS & METASTASES

  • Arteriovenous Malformations/Gliomas
  • Acoustic Neuromas
  • Cavernous Angiomas
  • Recurrent Brain Tumors
  • Primary Liver Tumors
  • Metastatic Cancer of the Liver
  • Breast Cancer Metastases
  • Metastatic Cancer of the Lung
  • Prostate Cancer Metastases
  • Colon Cancer Metastases
Prior to the Novalis® technology, traditional surgery may not have been a suitable option for certain patients due to other illnesses, their age, or the location of the tumor within the body. However, now there are more options available – you and your team of doctors will determine the best course of treatment for your condition.