New Radiation Treatment for Brain Tumors

Approximately 190,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor each year. Many patients undergo brain surgery to remove the tumor. But a new radiation treatment at Emory - the first site in the world to use this novel technology - is giving patients another option.

Background

Approximately 190,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor each year. Many patients undergo brain surgery to remove the tumor. But a new radiation treatment at Emory - the first site in the world to use this novel technology - is giving patients another option.

An extremely precise, image-guided radiation treatment for brain tumors allows doctors to customize a treatment plan for each patient. The new machine delivers higher doses of targeted radiation to smaller areas with more precision. This means less radiation to normal tissue surrounding the tumor. Only one treatment is needed and patients stay awake during the treatment.

This VNR features a patient who chose the new radiation treatment over brain surgery to treat his metastatic brain tumor.

Soundbites include: Dr. Ian Crocker, Emory Radiation Oncologist and Jeff Wilson, Cancer Patient.

More Information

Emory Winship Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.emory.edu

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• emory university
• emory healthcare
• atlanta
• georgia
• brain tumor
• brain cancer
• metastatic brain tumor
• radiation

[bgordski]

This is an ideal use of charged particle therapy. X-rays go to the tumor and keep going through the body. Charged particles are energized to STOP at the tumor site. It is called the Bragg Peak. It has been used since 1954. Why are we still forced to use this substandard system? New???!!! This was first used in 1895!

Imagine what those stray X-rays are damaging! BTW:$20mil DOD funds used to fund HU proton therapy. It is on utube.

[joanmort]

Good luck Jeff! I just had this done last August at another top hospital. I pray that we both have continued success with this amazing procedure!  God bless you!

Joan