The Department of Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital offers one of the largest radiation programs
for cancer treatment in the Delaware Valley, giving more than 50,000 radiation treatments each year. Offering the most modern,
comprehensive cancer therapies currently available, Jefferson's Department of Radiation Oncology specialists are among the
country's most respected and accomplished professionals.
Radiation therapy for brain tumors may be given by a number of different methods. These include whole brain irradiation, conformal
radiation, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Radiation therapy to treat brain tumors has evolved into a very exact science and often involves sophisticated techniques
to help maximize the treatment and minimize the exposure of normal brain cells to the effects of radiation. Stereotactic radiosurgery
uses computer technology to deliver focused, pinpoint beams of high-dose radiation to the tumor. Treatment is typically done
in just one session, using a Gamma Knife. The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson is the only site in the greater Philadelphia
area to offer this option for patients, giving more than 150 gamma knife treatments each. Stereotactic radiation involves
the use of our dedicated facility at the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience.
Using state-of-the-art equipment for planning and treatment, other innovative treatments are also offered, such as:
- Intra Operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) - an extra-high dosage of radiation therapy applied directly to the area where the
tumor was removed
- Conformal Radiation Therapy - shapes the pattern of radiation beams to the shape of the tumor, sparing normal tissue
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) - uses computer-controlled x-ray accelerators to deliver precise doses of radiation
to a targeted tumor
- Brachytherapy - implants radioactive material directly into the tumor or close to it
Conformal radiation, or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), shapes the pattern of radiation beams to the shape of
the tumor and allows sparing of normal brain tissue around the tumor mass. The use of radioprotector drugs and radiosensitizers allow the use of higher, more effective doses of radiation with fewer side effects. Radioprotector drugs protect brain cells
during radiation and radiosensitizers make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation. Radioenhancers are designed to increase the efficiency of radiation therapy without increasing the dosage of radiation. At the moment, use
of radioprotectors is limited to clinical trials.
There are two types of radiation therapy for brain tumors:
Your Choice of Six Convenient Radiation Treatment Locations
For your convenience, the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson offers radiation therapy at six locations around the Delaware
Valley. Click on the link above for a listing of those facilities.
