INTRODUCTION NOTE
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a specialized treatment using external ionizing radiation in order to inactivate or destroy strictly defined intracranial and spinal targets, with no need of surgical operation (surgical excision).
The purpose of creating this Stereotactic Radiosurgery portal is to inform both scientists and patients about SRS treatment, as well as the indications and requirements needed, so it can be safely and effectively done.
Through the pages of “srs.neurooncology.gr” we will provide you with all the latest treatment and research developments regarding Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Greece and worldwide.
We aspire this portal to be a gateway to scientific facts and information, for patients and healthcare professionals.
In this endeavor, we value our scientific “alliance” with the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS)
Radiosurgery Group – Hellenic Neurooncology Society remains available for any further information you may need.
Sincerely,
Stranjalis George
Professor of Neurosurgery
President of “Hellenic Neurooncology Society”
Boskos Christos
Radiosurgeon/Radiation Oncology
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Chief of “Hellenic Neurooncology Society”
THE HISTORY OF «STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY»
Considering the definition given by Lars Leksell, a Swedish neurosurgeon, a few decades ago, when he invented the first SRS device (the first Gamma-knife), we could still describe “Stereotactic Radiosurgery” as a form of treatment delivering a high-dose of ionizing radiation to a precise target (stereo tactic) in a pre-defined space.
Since 1951, when Leksell introduced in his article this “minimal invasive” treatment a lot of things has changed. However, the principals and basic features of SRS treatment remain the same.
Back then, treatment targets were limited to malignant or benign neoplasms and anatomical malformations of the brain. Stereo tactic precision of these targets was achieved by using an immobilizing metallic head frame. This method is applied until today, insuring maximal accuracy of SRS treatment.
SRS TEAM
Stereotactic Radiosurgery is a safe, non-invasive treatment, insuring high efficiency and minimal morbidity, compared to invasive treatments and conventional radiotherapy. In order to achieve high success rates, SRS needs to be performed by specialized doctors and scientists.
To ensure the quality of treatment of patients undergoing Stereotactic Radiosurgery, it is necessary to create an multidisciplinary team consisting of Radiation Oncologists, Neurosurgeons and Radio physicists licensed to apply ionizing radiation in Medicine. Other scientists included in the SRS team are Neuro-Radiologists, Clinical Neuropsychologists, Neurologists and Medical Oncologists.
SRS INDICATIONS
Indications for treatment with Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) include intracranial and extracranial tumors, benign or malignant, primary or metastatic. Indications also include the so-called “functional disorders” and “anatomical malformations”.
In summary, the main indications for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) are:
➦ Brain metastasis, both solitary (one) and multiple.
➦ Meningiomas
➦ Acoustic Neuroma
➦ Pituitary tumors (secreting and non-secreting)
➦ Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
➦ “Low-Grade” Gliomas
➦ Trigeminal Neuralgia
➦ Primary or Metastatic tumors of the Spinal Cord
➦ Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas scull base
➦ Paragangliomas (Glomus Jugulare)
➦ Hemangioblastomas
➦ Craniopharyngiomas
➦ Spasticity treatment, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor
➦ Re-irradiation of primary and secondary tumors
Patients with the conditions listed above are not all eligible for Stereotactic Radiosurgery.
Only specialized doctors can determine whether or not a patient is candidate for SRS treatment, by assessing their medical record.
SRS PRINCIPLES
All methods of SRS share common principles. Using specialized hardware and software, multiple small beams of radiation are focused on a target that has been pre-selected by the treating physicians. Targets often vary, from tumors (benign or malignant) to other anatomical and/or functional ones.
Each beam has very little effect on the normal tissue it passes through until it reaches the target. Then, a biologically significant targeted dose of radiation bombs the area where all the beams are precisely focused.
Congresses Regarding SRS
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