First experience in using Novalis shaped beam radiosurgery in Korea

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Radiosurgery is increasingly vital for treating intracranial lesions.
• The Novalis shaped beam radiosurgery system is a dedicated linear accelerator for precise radiation delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Novalis shaped beam radiosurgery system.
• To assess treatment outcomes for various brain and spinal lesions using this technology.

Main Methods:

• 356 patients with intracranial and extracranial lesions were treated between November 2000 and October 2003.
• 109 patients were followed for over 2 years; 50 underwent fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery, and 59 received single-dose stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Patient cohorts included benign tumors (acoustic neuromas, meningiomas), malignant tumors (glioblastoma multiforme, metastases), gliomas, chordoma, and arteriovenous malformations.

Main Results:

• Good tumor control was observed in 18 of 20 patients with benign tumors.
• The system was utilized for a diverse range of pathologies including benign and malignant tumors, AVMs, and other lesions.
• Fractionated and single-dose radiosurgery demonstrated positive outcomes in the treated patient groups.

Conclusions:

• Novalis shaped beam radiosurgery is an effective treatment modality.
• Fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery offers a safe and noninvasive therapeutic option.
• The system provides a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for various intracranial and extracranial lesions.