Radiosurgery FAQs

What is stereotactic radiosurgery and how is it used?

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a highly precise form of radiation therapy used primarily to treat tumors and other abnormalities of the brain and body. Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-surgical procedure that uses highly focused x-rays to treat many types of tumors, including inoperable lesions and as an alternative to open surgery. It can also play a significant role in the treatment of patients who previously received radiation to a particular site. The treatment involves the delivery of high-dose radiation beams that converge on a specific area of the brain or body where the abnormality resides.
Although stereotactic radiosurgery is often completed in a one-day session, physicians sometimes recommend a fractionated treatment, in which treatments are given over a period of several days. This is referred to as stereotactic radiotherapy.
Stereotactic radiosurgery works in the same way as other forms of radiation treatment. It does not actually remove the tumor; rather, it distorts the DNA of tumor cells. As a result, these cells lose their ability to reproduce. Following the treatment, benign tumors usually shrink over a period of 18 months to two years. Malignant and metastatic tumors may shrink more rapidly, even within a couple of months. When treated with radiosurgery, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) begin to thicken and close off.

Who will be involved in this procedure?

The Institute for Radiosurgery oncology specialists are an integral part of the multi-disciplinary cancer care team. Working in conjunction with your cancer physician and surgeon, the Institute’s highly skilled radiation oncologists, physicists, and certified radiation therapists will be involved with your actual procedure.

Is there any special preparation needed for the procedure?

Your Radiosurgery team will inform you of any special precautions. However, in general, there are minimal preparations required. Patients can typically eat and drink normally and take all scheduled medications.
However, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your treatment. You should ask your physician what to do about taking any normal medications on the day of your treatment. You should also tell your physician if any of the following apply to you:

• You are taking medications by mouth or insulin to control diabetes.
• You are allergic to intravenous contrast material, shellfish, or iodine.
• You have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve, defibrillator, brain aneurysm clips, implanted pumps, or chemotherapy ports, neurostimulators, eye or ear implants, stents, coils, or filters.
• You have experienced claustrophobia.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. For the first few visits, you may want to make arrangements to have a family member or support person accompany you, remain with you at the Institute, and drive you home afterward.
On treatment day, you may eat and drink as normal unless otherwise instructed. You will be asked to change into a gown for your procedure and you will probably be more comfortable wearing little or no jewelry. An intravenous (IV) line may be inserted into your arm for medications.

What will I feel during this procedure?

Radiosurgery treatments are similar to having an x-ray. You will not be able to see, feel or hear the x-rays. There is no pain or discomfort from the actual treatment. If you experience pain for other reasons, such as back pain or discomfort from the x-ray table, you should inform your doctor or radiation therapist.

 

For more information, please call 610-988-8067.