Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Overview. The Lacks Cancer Center offers eligible brain cancer patients this highly effective procedure as an alternative to more invasive surgical treatments. Because of its IMRT radiation delivery, radiation beams produced during stereotactic radiosurgery can pinpoint and strike abnormal tissues in the brain without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. To achieve this accuracy several other technologies are also necessary, including a device that stabilizes the skull during imaging and treatment, a CT or MRI scanner for exacting three-dimensional imaging and a computerized system for administering and controlling prescribed doses of radiation.

Our Stereotactic Radiosurgery vs. Typical Stereotactic Radiosurgery. In addition to being the first center in West Michigan to perform a stereotactic radiosurgery procedure using precision IMRT radiation delivery, our physicists, radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons have pioneered a procedure for stereotactic radiosurgery that does not require an invasive frame (halo). Typically, patients are fitted with a halo in order to stabilize the area during treatment. In addition to being uncomfortable, the halo limits the number of treatments the patient can receive, therefore compromising their recovery. Our procedure involves a comfortable, custom fitted mask* that is used only during treatments and can be easily re-formed to the patient’s face for each of their visits. This innovative mask allows as many radiation sessions as necessary to effectively treat our patients.

Eligible Brain Tumor Patients. The role of stereotactic radiosurgery versus other surgical treatments is determined by many factors, including the size of the brain tumor, location of the mass, how rapidly the symptoms arose, how ill the patient is and the type of brain tumor. If the patient is very ill, surgery may offer more rapid resolution of the tumor.

To learn more about this advanced treatment option call (616) 752-6756 or 1-800-639-6266.

*In some cases the treatment may also include implanted gold markers for additional delivery guidance.