Frequently Asked Questions about Radiosurgery

Here is additional information about the use of Novalis Tx/Truebeam Radiosurgery System.

• Benefits of Radiosurgery Treatment
• How does Novalis Tx radiosurgery work?
• Why is fast treatment important?
• What is the treatment advantage of Novalis Tx radiosurgery over other radiosurgery systems?
• Will there be any side effects?
• What affect can radiation have on my tumor or lesion?
• What is the difference between stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy?

Benefits of Radiosurgery Treatment

Faster radiation treatment time is one of the most important benefits of the Novalis TX/TrueBeam STx 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.

The benefit of the Novalis TX/TrueBeam STx radiosurgery system, radiation therapy takes only a matter of minutes and can often be performed in a single session. Another benefit is that the system also continuously monitors the patient, allowing for adjustment of the patient's position, if necessary."

Other advantages of the Novalis TX/TrueBeam STx 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 head held in place with a fixed frame.

Back to top

How does Novalis Tx radiosurgery work?

Novalis Tx/Truebeam radiosurgery suite consists of a high-tech radiation delivery system powered by innovative, sophisticated image-guidance and motion management tools. This state-of-the-art system rotates around you, delivering the cancer-fighting shaped treatment beams where they're needed. The image-guidance and motion management tools provide doctors with detailed information about the shape, size and position of your tumor, they also guide setup and positioning and monitor your body and tumor motion during treatment.
Back to top

Why is fast treatment important?

Fast treatment is more comfortable and reduces the likelihood of body or tumor movements, increasing overall accuracy. In addition to offering one of the fastest treatment times, Novalis Tx/Truebeam radiosurgery tracks your body and tumor motion and automatically adjusts the beam of radiation, maintaining the highest possible level of treatment accuracy.

Back to top

What is the treatment advantage of Novalis Tx radiosurgery over other radiosurgery systems?

Other radiosurgery systems use circular beams of radiation in treating tumors and lesions. Most tumors or lesions are irregular so the circular dose of radiation cannot completely conform to their exact shape.

Novalis Tx/Truebeam radiosurgery shapes the radiation beam precisely to your tumor or lesion, ensuring that the best treatment dose is delivered while your healthy tissue is protected. The radiation beam adapts to your breathing and other body movements to continuously maintain safe, complete and accurate treatment.
Back to top

Will there be any side effects?

Your doctor will discuss potential side effects with you depending on your treatment plan. Novalis Tx/Truebeam radiosurgery treatment is not painful and does not require anesthesia. Typically, there is no scarring and little risk of infection, compared to conventional surgery.

While side effects are minimized, a patient may experience a headache, dizziness and fatigue immediately following treatment.

It is recommended that you make sure to arrange for transportation home after a treatment.

Back to top

What affect can radiation have on my tumor or lesion?

Radiosurgery uses high-energy treatment beams to deliver the prescribed dose directly to your tumor cells, causing them to die. Treatment results may include shrinkage of your tumor or no further tumor growth. Because cell destruction and absorption of cells within your system can be a lengthy process, it may take up to 6 months before your doctor can determine the effect of treatment.

Back to top

What is the difference between stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy?

Stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy refer to two treatment delivery methods.

> Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers a high dose of treatment to the tumor or lesion in a single treatment.

> Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy delivers a series of treatments to the tumor or lesion over a period of time.

While both methods typically involve a similar total dose, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy delivers treatment in smaller amounts. Novalis Tx offers both stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy treatments. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment method for you.

Back to top