A high-precision radiation therapy for patients with secondary brain tumours has become available in Adelaide.
The image-guided radiation system will be used as a non-invasive form of intracranial radiation to deliver precisely targeted radiation in fewer, high-dose, treatments than traditional therapy.
The technology features a state-of-the-art imaging system that provides for highly accurate patient positioning and brain tumour targeting.
It gives the clinician the ability to see and monitor a patient's position in real-time so they can instantly detect any unintended movement that would impact treatment precision.
Oncologist Andrew Potter said the system heralded a new era for radiation therapy in South Australia.
"Brain metastases or secondary brain tumours are estimated to occur in 20-40 per cent of cancer patients and, as a result, we are seeing an increasing number of patients benefiting from stereotactic treatment," Dr Potter said.
"Using the imaging system, the patient is placed on a bed that rotates in six dimensions, delivering a high dose of radiation directly to tumours in the brain.
"The high dose destroys cancer cells with minimum damage to surrounding healthy tissues, and the patient typically only needs one to three sessions, as the treatment can target multiple tumours at the same time."
