Radiation Oncology
Diseases Treated
Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancer
The Adult CNS Radiation Oncology Program offers a broad range of clinical services and expertise that is deeply integrated with the multidisciplinary Neuro-oncology program at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. We offer radiosurgical and radiotherapeutic treatment for all types of primary and metastatic brain and spinal cord tumors. In addition, we offer radiosurgical treatment for arteriovenous malformations and trigeminal neuralgia.
Our principal stereotactic treatment platform is the Brainlab Novalis system. For intracranial tumors, depending upon clinical indication, we may offer shaped beam stereotactic radiosurgery, fractionated stereotactic IMRT, or 3D conformal therapy. For spinal tumors, we offer image-guided stereotactic radiotherapy. For neuroaxis tumors, such as medulloblastoma, we offer CT-planned craniospinal irradiation.
Brigham and Women's was among the pioneers in the development of linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery. We continue our tradition of innovation by developing image-guided frameless radiosurgery for both intracranial and spinal tumors. This promises to allow more accurate treatment of a wide variety of tumors with a greater degree of patient comfort. For both brain and spine treatments, we work closely with the Department of Neurosurgery.
Our practice also includes the treatment of arteriovenous malformations. We utilize sophisticated 3D angiography to model the malformation and are capable of treating large malformations utilizing staged volume techniques. For these treatments, we work closely with our colleagues in neuro-vascular surgery.
