BrainLAB Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery is not surgery. It is a nonsurgical, highly precise form of radiation therapy, so named because it carries the advantages of surgery without being invasive.

Before treatment begins, the patient undergoes a CT simulation to determine the exact location and size of the treatment area. During the simulation, our radiation team performs a CT scan and creates the patient’s custom head mask.

A week later, treatment begins. Using the Trilogy™ system, a single dose of precisely targeted radiation is directed at the cancerous lesion(s). The treatment is typically delivered in one session and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Using BrainLAB SRS, our doctors are able to reach tumors deep inside the body without the risks of surgery. In addition, this technology helps to reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue, which is especially important for areas like the brain and lungs.

Another treatment option similar to BrainLAB SRS is the CyberKnife^® VSI™ Robotic Radiosurgery System. With the CyberKnife system, we can target tumors in the brain (and other areas in the body) with precisely-directed radiation instead of open surgery.

Advantages of BrainLAB SRS

• SRS does not require an incision, and it carries very little risk of infection.
• With stereotactic radiosurgery, we can better focus the radiation on a tumor so nearby healthy tissue is protected.
• SRS may be considered an alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
• The total radiation treatment course is delivered in one to five days rather than the typical two to eight weeks.