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Benefits and Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Faster radiation treatment time is one of the most important benefits of the Novalis TX^® radiosurgery system said Pauling Chang, M.D., a PAMF radiation oncologist and head of the Stanley and Carolyn Hiller Radiosurgery Program.

"Previously, when receiving radiosurgical treatment, a patient would have to lie as still as possible for up to an hour or more," Dr. Chang said. "Not only was this uncomfortable for patients, but longer treatment times also made patient movement more likely. This, in turn, can impact treatment accuracy. With the Novalis Tx^® radiosurgery system, radiation therapy takes only a matter of minutes and can often be performed in a single session. The system also continuously monitors the patient, allowing for adjustment of the patient's position, if necessary."

Other advantages of the Novalis Tx^® radiosurgery system include:

Radiosurgery Treatment is painless.

Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Better treatment outcomes and fewer radiation therapy side effects because the radiation dose is delivered with greater accuracy.

Less damage to nearby healthy organs and other soft tissues.

Radiation treatment can be administered within minutes, and often in a single session, which is both more comfortable and more convenient for patients.

Patients do not have to have their heads held in place with a fixed frame.