Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive method of delivering a single high-dose radiation treatment to a prescribed tumor. This technology has principally been used to treat brain (link to brain tumors) and head and neck tumors (link to head and neck cancer) which cannot be readily resected by surgery. Although this treatment is totally non-surgical and relies strictly on external beam radiation, its effect is quite equivalent to surgery since it biologically ablates the targeted tumor.

The Radiation Oncology Consultants of NJ are stereotactic radiosurgery experts and have collectively performed more than 800 cases among its physicians—the most in New Jersey. They are also technological innovators and are among the first in NJ to offer the state-of-the art BrainLAB based stereotactic radiosurgery. The BrainLAB’s xray based localization technology allows tumor localization with submillimeter accuracy. At the core of the system is a beam shaping device with fine 3 mm central leaves that permits consistent and sophisticated dose distribution. The end results is the most conformal stereotactic radiosurgery treatment bar none.

Step 1: Consultation
After a comprehensive consultation with both a radiation oncologist and a neurosurgeon, a special MRI will typically be ordered. On the day of the procedure, this MRI will be fused with a CT scan to best delineate the targeted tumor.

Step 2: Stereotactic Headframe placement
Under the guidance of the neurosurgeon, the stereotactic headframe will be placed on the head in the morning of the procedure. This headframe allows accurate localization of the tumor within the cranium. Four pins, the size of a pen tip, will be placed on the scalp to keep the headframe immobilized. This procedure will be performed under local anesthesia and should be pain-free.

Step 3: CT scan
Once the headframe is on, a CT scan of the brain will be performed in the department of radiation oncology. This scan allows a precise visualization of the tumor within the context of the stereotactic “rods” which are affixed to the headframe. If an MRI was previously performed, it is then fused to these CT images by the BrainLAB treatment planning system. This fusion technology allows precise anatomical visualization of the tumor.

Step 4: The Treatment
Within the next several hours, a comprehensive treatment plan will be formed by the radiation oncologist and physicists. The patient is then brought into the radiation treatment room and positioned on the treatment machine. The stereotactic headframe is locked into its position on the treatment couch, allowing both immobilization and localization of the tumor. Subsequently, the radiation is delivered.Step 5: The Discharge
Upon completing the treatment, the headframe is removed by the radiation oncologist. The patient is then discharged to home. Stereotactic radiosurgery does not require overnight hospital admission. The treatment is also painless. The entire procedure is performed in a single day.