Division of Neuro-Oncologic Neurosurgery and Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Program
A safe, effective alternative to major brain surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery involves the application of precisely focused
photon irradiation (units of radiation with sufficient energy to dislodge electrons from an atom) to brain tumors and lesions
that are otherwise either untreatable or treatable by means that may cause substantial side effects.
This treatment involves collaboration between a neurosurgeon, a radiation oncologist, and a medical physicist. David W. Andrews,
MD, Professor of Neurosurgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, is Director of Jefferson Hospital
for Neuroscience’s Stereotactic Radiosurgery Program.
Dr. Andrews and other staff members of Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience’s Division of Neuro-Oncologic Neurosurgery and Stereotactic Radiosurgery are fortunate to collaborate with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Jefferson's Department of Radiation Oncology
has a singular commitment to the Radiosurgery Program, and in the spirit of this collaborative multidisciplinary team, the
Division has participated in national brain tumor trials sponsored by the RTOG.
Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience is the only medical center in the Delaware Valley equipped with all three of the leading
units, or tools, dedicated to the performance of stereotactic radiosurgery, enabling us to provide a unique and versatile
array of radiosurgery treatment options for patients with brain tumors. Each of these dedicated units has unique characteristics
that may provide benefit to an patients, depending on specific circumstances. These units are:
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Shaped Beam Surgery™ – This treatment shapes radiation beams to match the exact contour of the tumor or lesion so that even irregularly shaped tumors
or lesions can receive doses of radiation totally consistent with that prescribed. Sophisticated software calculates the ideal
access points to the tumor or lesion and defines the treatment plan.
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Gamma Knife – This neurosurgical tool is a “knife” in name only – its “blades” are actually beams of gamma radiation programmed to target
the lesion or tumor at the point where they intersect while sparing surrounding, healthy tissue from unnecessary exposure.
The tumor or lesion decreases slowly over time until it dissolves. The exposure is brief and only the tissue being treated
receives a significant radiation dose.
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Linear accelerator (LINAC) – Through a single dose or multiple smaller doses of focused photo radiation, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience’s LINAC
unit can kill dangerously located tumor cells and destroy malformed vessels as well as deep-seated arteriovenous malformations.
The machine moves on a gantry 360 degrees around the head to provide treatments carefully calculated by the neurosurgeon on
the computer to focus on very specific targets that have a variety of shapes and sizes.
At Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, a neurosurgeon and a radiation oncologist evaluate any and all patients referred for
consideration of radiosurgery treatment. The physician to whom the patient is originally referred then presents the patient’s
case to a multidisciplinary board composed of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists and neuroradiologists, as
well as select residents and fellows. This formal review process ensures the most objective and informed treatment decision
for each patient.
If focused radiation is recommended, discussion turns to which technique and unit is best suited for the treatment of a particular
lesion.
