Radiosurgery & Radiation Oncology

Overview of Radiosurgery and Radiation Therapy

Radiosurgery and radiation oncology are advanced cancer treatment specialties that use high-energy radiation to precisely target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. These minimally invasive or non-invasive treatments are commonly used for brain tumors, skull base tumors, pituitary tumors, and other cancers that are difficult to treat with surgery alone.

What is Radiosurgery?

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) delivers one to five highly focused doses of radiation to a tumor or vascular malformation. Despite its name, radiosurgery does not involve incisions—it uses precision imaging and advanced technology to deliver radiation directly to the abnormal tissue.

• Common conditions treated with SRS:
  • Metastatic brain tumors
  • Pituitary adenomas
  • Meningiomas
  • Schwannomas
  • Chordomas
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

SRS can be performed with several technologies, including a linear accelerator (Varian EDGE LINAC®), Gamma Knife®, or CyberKnife®, with similar effectiveness in halting tumor growth.

What is Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)?

Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) uses multiple lower doses of radiation, typically spread over several weeks (up to 30 sessions). SRT is often chosen when tumors are very close—within 3 mm—to critical brain structures such as the optic nerves, optic chiasm, or brainstem. This approach allows for safer treatment while still maximizing tumor control.

• Common conditions treated with SRT:
  • Residual meningiomas
  • Pituitary adenomas
  • Craniopharyngiomas
  • Chordomas
  • Schwannomas
  • Sinonasal carcinomas

What is Whole Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT)?

Whole Brain Radiation Therapy (WBRT) involves treating the entire brain with radiation, typically delivered in multiple sessions. WBRT is less common today due to the availability of SRS and SRT, but it still plays an important role in patients with:

• Multiple brain metastases (usually more than 10)
• Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
• Extensive malignant brain tumors such as small cell lung cancer metastases

Benefits of Radiosurgery & Radiation Therapy

• Non-invasive or minimally invasive cancer treatment
• Outpatient or short hospital stay
• Preservation of healthy surrounding brain tissue
• Effective alternative for patients who cannot undergo open surgery
• Can relieve symptoms and halt tumor progression

Schedule a Consultation

At Pacific Neuroscience Institute, our team of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and neuro-oncologists work together to create highly personalized treatment plans. Using advanced technology such as the Varian Edge linear accelerator, we offer both SRS and SRT for patients with complex brain, skull base, and pituitary tumors.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain, skull base, or pituitary tumor, our radiation oncology experts can help determine the most effective treatment approach.

To schedule an appointment with our radiation oncology team, please call 310-829-8913.