[Linac based radiosurgery; a technical report]

A method for highly dose-localized irradiation using a linear accelerator (linac) for a brain tumor has been developed. The method requires a linac, a computed tomography (CT) system, a CT simulator, and a treatment planning system for radiotherapy, with which most major radiotherapy centers are equipped. To immobilize a patient during irradiation, a custom-made device made of synthetic material which became flexible with heating was used. With the CT system and the CT simulator the target was identified and geometrical data for positioning the tumor at a point to which x-ray beams were directed (an isocenter of the linac) were obtained. By rotating a treatment couch it was made possible for the x-ray source to rotate around the isocenter on multiple planes. Dose distribution obtained with this method was compared to that of the gamma unit and found comparable. Since the method requires no invasive procedure, it appears suitable for treatment, with fractionated irradiation, of malignant tumors.