With shaped beam radiosurgery, radiation beams are shaped to match the exact contour of the tumor, so that even those that are irregularly shaped can be treated effectively. By changing the beam shape over time while delivering radiation, doctors achieve very fine control over how and where radiation is administered.
Shaped beam radiosurgery incorporates these leading-edge technologies:
- Treatment Planning Software – sophisticated computer software and 3-dimensional images of your tumor and surrounding anatomy calculate the ideal access points for administering radiation.
- Linear Accelerator – a specially-equipped linear accelerator generates high-intensity radiation beams for your treatment.
- Beam Shaping Devices – these devices change the shape of the beam to deliver it directly to the region of abnormality.
- Optical Guidance – a special imager mounted to the linear accelerator monitors your position relative to the radiation.
Prior to receiving treatment, images of the area must be generated to your physician’s specifications. The doctor will fit you with a device to ensure that you are accurately positioned and carefully immobilized during treatment. One amazing feature of this technology, called “respiratory gating,” actually allows the system to compensate for your breathing, adjusting the beam every time you inhale and exhale, thereby expanding the range of tumors that can be treated with shaped beam radiosurgery.
Older stereotactic methods use multiple overlapping cylindrical beams of radiation, resulting in uneven application that creates “hot” and “cold” spots. Tumors may not receive the maximum dosage of radiation, while surrounding areas may receive more than they should. With shaped beam radiosurgery, an irregular shape can be treated with amazingly accurate beams that change dynamically, delivering a therapeutic dose to the target area while sparing healthy organs and tissue.
