Saint Francis offers first frameless brain tumor treatment

Using its existing state-of-the-art linear accelerator, Saint Francis Healthcare System saved millions of dollars in medical expense when it introduced stereotactic radiosurgery to the region in December. Stereotactic radiosurgery, sometimes known as surgery without a scalpel, is the world's most advanced radiation oncology procedure used to treat tumors and other abnormalities, primarily in the brain.

"Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers precise beams of radiation to the tumor, destroying cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue," said Tapan Roy, MD, FACR, radiation oncologist at the Cancer Institute of Cape Girardeau LLC., a member of the Saint Francis Healthcare System.

The system used by Roy and his team is a frameless stereotactic radiosurgery system, which offers patients comfort, convenience and an advanced level of treatment. Saint Francis is first to bring the frameless technique to the area.

"Other systems require large metal frames to be screwed into the patient's head. The frameless system we use is much more patient friendly and allows us to offer multiple fractions, or treatments, to the patient," said Joel Ray, MD, neurosurgeon at Saint Francis who collaborates with Roy to perform stereotactic radiosurgery.

During a short outpatient procedure, Ray implants tiny gold markers in the patient's scalp. The beads help physicians map the area of the brain to be treated and localize the tumor, providing accuracy within 1 millimeter. The patient can return home while the stereotactic radiosurgery team takes the time it needs to develop an individualized treatment plan that will be most effective in treating the tumor.

"Tumors that were once thought to be difficult or impossible to treat can be safely and effectively treated with precision using the technology only available through Saint Francis Healthcare System," said Roy.

Saint Francis' medical physicist Walter Kopecky, PhD, DABR, who has more than 23 years of experience in every type of stereotactic radiosurgery available, said frameless stereotactic systems are superior to those that rely on frames.

"In addition to the scientific advantages, the added benefits of patient comfort and lower costs make frameless stereotactic radiosurgery systems the top choice for medical organizations pursuing excellence in radiation oncology," said Kopecky.

The stereotactic radiosurgery team at Saint Francis Healthcare System has more than 40 years of combined experience in stereotaxy.