Knifeless radiosurgery for Northwest England

15 Oct 2010

Cancer patients in Northwest England will have access to advanced radiosurgery when the new Christie radiotherapy centre at Salford Royal Hospital opens in summer 2011.

 The Novalis Tx radiosurgery system from Varian Medical Systems and Brainlab will play a central role in radiotherapy services offered by the new centre.

It is a targeted and non-invasive alternative to surgery for some types of tumours that can reduce patient treatment times to less than 20 minutes. Image guidance and motion management tools guide patient set up and positioning, and monitor motion during treatment. A computer-controlled, high-definition multi-leaf collimator shapes the treatment beam around the tumour. This helps ensure that the maximum prescribed dose is delivered to the entire tumour or other abnormalities to ensure the planned dose is delivered, whilst protecting healthy tissue.

“This level of precision is ideal for treating abnormalities in areas close to critical structures like the brainstem, spinal cord or the optic nerves,” says leading Consultant Neurosurgeon, Mr James Leggate, at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.

Novalix tx radiosurgery systemThe new Christie centre will be based at Salford Royal and is due to open in summer 2011. It will be a leading centre for treating brain conditions and will also significantly reduce travel times for local patients needing radiotherapy for common cancers.

Dr Catherine McBain, leading Consultant Oncologist at The Christie, said: “The versatility of the Novalis Tx means we can also treat other types of cancers and abnormalities in the whole body with the same equipment.

“Radiotherapy facilities at The Christie are among the best in the country and I am delighted that we will be able to offer knife-less radiosurgery with the Novalis Tx in Greater Manchester. Patients can now be assured of fast and targeted non-invasive radiosurgery treatment, closer to home.”

One of the key benefits of Novalis Tx Radiosurgery is that it is a non-invasive out-patient treatment, which helps avoid lengthy recovery periods and many of the complications often associated with conventional surgery.

 

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