Linear accelerator as a neurosurgical tool for stereotactic radiosurgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Accurate radiation delivery to small brain volumes is crucial for effective treatment.
• Existing stereotactic systems may have limitations in precision and dose conformity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a new system for stereotactic radiosurgery of small brain lesions.
• To assess the accuracy and safety of the developed system for precise radiation delivery.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of a Brown-Roberts-Wells stereotactic apparatus and a 6-MeV linear accelerator with specialized collimators.
• Utilizing computed tomography or cerebral angiography for precise localization of target volumes.
• Employing an arcing photon radiation beam with the patient positioned in four turntable orientations.

Main Results:

• The system enables stereotactic delivery of high radiation doses to brain volumes ranging from 0.6 to 10.0 ml.
• A 20-mm collimator treats a 2.1 ml spherical volume, with rapid dose fall-off outside the target.
• Extensive testing confirmed system accuracy in alignment and radiation distribution, with measured errors for localization and apparatus alignment.

Conclusions:

• The developed stereotactic system offers precise high-dose radiation delivery for small brain targets.
• The system demonstrates accuracy and safety, emphasizing operational safety throughout its design and testing.
• This technology holds promise for improved outcomes in the treatment of brain lesions requiring focused radiation therapy.