Cancers Treated with Radiosurgery

Here is additional information about the use of Novalis Tx^® Radiosurgery System.

• 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?

Here is a partial list of some of the cancers that can be treated by the Novalis Tx® radiosurgery system at PAMF.

• Acoustic neuromas
  
• Craniopharyngioma
  
• Benign tumors
  
• Malignant tumors
  
• Meningioma
  
• Metastatic disease to the brain
  
• Pituitary adenoma
  
• Primary brain tumors
  
• Recurrent brain tumors
  
• Selective arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
  
• Selective liver tumors
  
• Selective lung tumors
  
• Selective trigeminal neuralgia
  
• Spinal tumors

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How does Novalis Tx radiosurgery work?

Novalis Tx radiosurgery 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, from many different angles, delivering the cancer-fighting shaped treatment beams where they're needed. The image-guidance and motion management tools provide your 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.
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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 radiosurgery continuously tracks your body and tumor motion and automatically adjusts the beam of radiation, maintaining the highest possible level of treatment accuracy.

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

Other radiosurgery systems use circular beams of radiation to treat tumors and lesions. Most tumors or lesions are irregular in shape so the circular dose cannot completely conform to their exact shape. Novalis Tx radiosurgery shapes the radiation beam precisely to your tumor or lesion, ensuring that the best possible treatment dose is delivered while your healthy tissue is protected. The radiation beam also adapts to your breathing and other body movements to continuously maintain safe, complete and accurate treatment.

Undergoing treatment for a tumor or lesion can be challenging, that's why Novalis Tx radiosurgery is treatment designed with you in mind. Treatments are fast, lasting only minutes, and you wear a frameless custom-fit mask rather than an invasive head ring.

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Will there be any side effects?

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

While side effects are minimized, you may experience a headache, dizziness and fatigue immediately following treatment, so driving is not recommended. Make sure to arrange for transportation home.

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What affect can radiation have on my tumor or lesion?

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

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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 session. 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 radiosurgery offers both stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy treatments. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment method for you based on your individual case.

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