When it comes to treating brain tumors, surgery has traditionally been one of the primary treatment options. However, not all patients are candidates for invasive procedures due to the location or size of the tumor, or because of underlying health concerns. Fortunately, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers an innovative, non-invasive alternative that can be highly effective for many patients with brain tumors.
What Is Stereotactic Radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses highly focused radiation beams to treat brain tumors and other neurological conditions. Despite the term "surgery," SRS does not involve any incisions or physical removal of tissue. Instead, it targets the tumor with precision radiation delivered from multiple angles, allowing doctors to destroy or shrink the tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
This technique is typically used to treat tumors that are difficult to reach surgically, tumors located near critical structures in the brain, or tumors in patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery.
How Does Stereotactic Radiosurgery Work?
Stereotactic radiosurgery involves the use of specialized equipment like the Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, or Linac (linear accelerator). These systems are capable of delivering high doses of focused radiation to the tumor with extraordinary precision. Here's how the process typically works:
- Imaging and Planning: Prior to treatment, detailed imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, are conducted to map the exact location, size, and shape of the tumor. This ensures that the radiation beams can be accurately targeted to the tumor.
- Frame or Mask: Depending on the type of SRS, a small frame may be placed on the patient’s head, or a custom-fit mask may be used to keep the head still during treatment. This step is crucial for ensuring precise delivery of radiation.
- Radiation Delivery: The radiation beams are directed at the tumor from multiple angles. The goal is to concentrate the radiation dose on the tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
- Follow-Up Care: After treatment, patients are monitored for any potential side effects, and follow-up imaging is performed to track the tumor's response to the radiation.
The Benefits of Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiosurgery offers several advantages over traditional brain tumor treatments, especially for patients who cannot undergo conventional surgery. Some key benefits include:
- Non-Invasive Treatment: SRS is completely non-invasive. There is no need for incisions or a hospital stay, which means less risk of infection, faster recovery times, and minimal discomfort for the patient. This is particularly important for patients who are elderly or have underlying medical conditions that may make surgery risky.
- High Precision and Effectiveness: SRS allows for extremely precise targeting of brain tumors, minimizing radiation exposure to healthy brain tissue. This precision makes it effective for treating tumors that are located in difficult-to-reach areas or near critical brain structures. The ability to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the tumor increases the likelihood of treatment success.
- Outpatient Procedure with Minimal Downtime: SRS is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day. Most patients experience little to no downtime, and many are able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.
- Suitable for Inoperable Tumors: For patients with tumors that are inoperable due to their location or size, SRS offers an effective treatment option. It can also be used as an adjunct to surgery, particularly when some tumor tissue remains after a surgical procedure or if the tumor recurs.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Because there is no surgical incision, there is a reduced risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or neurological damage. Additionally, SRS is often used for smaller tumors or tumors that have not spread, which reduces the likelihood of severe side effects.
- Effective for a Wide Range of Brain Tumors: SRS can be used to treat various types of brain tumors, including:
- Primary brain tumors, such as gliomas or meningiomas
- Metastatic brain tumors, which have spread from other parts of the body
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and other vascular brain conditions
- Acoustic neuromas (benign tumors of the auditory nerve)
It is particularly effective for tumors that are well-defined and located in parts of the brain where surgery would be risky.
Potential Side Effects
While stereotactic radiosurgery is generally well-tolerated, as with any treatment, there are potential side effects. These may include:
- Fatigue
- Swelling or inflammation around the tumor site
- Headaches or mild nausea
- Delayed effects, such as changes in neurological function, which can occur weeks or months after treatment
At IGEA, our experienced specialists carefully monitor patients before, during, and after the procedure to minimize side effects and ensure optimal outcomes.
Who Is a Candidate for Stereotactic Radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery is often recommended for patients with:
- Small to medium-sized brain tumors
- Tumors located in areas that are difficult to reach surgically
- Tumors that have recurred after previous surgery or radiation therapy
- Patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery due to age or other health issues
Your physician at IGEA will work with you to assess whether stereotactic radiosurgery is the best treatment option based on the type, location, and size of your tumor, as well as your overall health and treatment goals.
Contact the Experts Today
If you or a loved one is facing a brain tumor diagnosis, consult with the experts at IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics to explore whether stereotactic radiosurgery could be the right treatment for you.
