Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery
Introduction
The Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery System is a unique non-invasive alternative for cancer patients often considered untreatable through conventional surgical or radiotherapy techniques.
It is the first device capable of combining the benefits of
stereotactic radiosurgery, 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in a single platform.
Using a variety of specialized techniques, the Novalis continuously shapes the treatment beam to precisely match the size and shape of the target. The tumor or lesion receives the maximum amount of radiation possible while nearby healthy tissue remains protected and safe.
The procedure is painless, fast and requires no hospitalization. Patients typically return to their normal routine that same day.
Background
The Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery System represents a major advance in the field of high-dose precision radiotherapy. Although the Gamma Knife set the standard for treatment nearly half a century ago, its benefits have largely been limited to single-dose therapy of relatively small tumors deep within the brain.
Through the combined efforts of Varian, the world leader in linear accelerator technology and BrainLab, developers of award-winning 3D visualization software,
the Novalis is able to deliver the same millimeter-accurate treatment anywhere within the brain or body.
While previously available only at the UCLA Medical Center and a handful of research hospitals, Scottsdale Healthcare has been joined by the Cleveland Clinic, M.D. Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering and the University of Arizona in bringing Novalis technology to patients throughout the world.
Technical Description
The heart of the Novalis is a specially designed multi-million volt linear accelerator integrated with an exclusive beam shaping device. Computer controlled high-speed motors move millimeter-thin metal leaves in and out of the x-ray beam path while the machine moves silently over, around and under the patient.
The shape, depth of penetration and intensity of the radiation beam is varied thousands of times during the few brief seconds of treatment.
The end result is that the target lesion can receive a dose of radiation nearly ten times greater than a standard radiation treatment, while healthy tissue only millimeters away remains safe and unaffected.
Technology Comparison
The Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery System is the latest in a growing number of precision radiotherapy devices.
Its ability to deliver pinpoint radiation is limited only by the quality of the patient's imaging studies, with none of the drawbacks associated with Gamma Knife, CyberKnife or Proton beam treatment. The table below highlights some of the similarities and differences between the more widely available technologies:
Show Technology Comparison
Real World Tumor Targeting
Modern diagnostic imaging has given physicians an unparalleled ability to see deep within the body. With that ability comes the realization that the human mechanism is truly a body in motion. A single breath can shift internal structures a few critical millimeters, sometimes making the difference between cure and life-threatening complication.
Novalis has the ability to visualize internal tissues and organs at the time of treatment with a sophisticated arrangement of infrared sensors and digital x-ray cameras. For even greater accuracy, a gold tracking seed (smaller than a grain of rice) can be placed directly within the tumor. For each daily treatment that follows, the tiniest movement of the seed is detected by Novalis. The six million volt x-ray beam is then swiftly and automatically repositioned at the click of a mouse.
Who Can Benefit?
Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery is suitable for
virtually any localized tumor in the brain or body. In certain cases the millimeter accuracy of Novalis may completely eliminate the need for surgery. Widespread or diffuse disease is still best treated with chemotherapy or immune therapy, although bulky or symptomatic tumors can still be considered for Novalis.
Radiotherapy patients unable to undergo retreatment by conventional radiotherapy may be safely and effectively retreated by Novalis.
A partial list of specific conditions eligible for Novalis includes:
Arteriovenous Malformations
Brain Metastases and Gliomas
Acoustic Neuromas
Meningiomas
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Cancers of the Head and Neck
Spine Tumors
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Rectal Cancer
Breast cancer
Liver and pancreas tumors
Almost any localized tumor in the brain or body
Patients unable to receive additional conventional radiotherapy
Quality of Life
Novalis treatments are non-invasive and painless. A single treatment session is typically 15 minutes or less. More importantly, side effects such as skin burns, nausea or vomiting are either dramatically reduced or eliminated entirely.
Brain tumor patients will typically lose little or no hair.
Oral cancers can be treated with significantly less mouth dryness or irritation.
High doses of radiation can be administered to lung tumors without damaging healthy lung.
Prostate cancers can be treated with minimal or no risk to bowel and bladder.
Advantages of Daily Treatment
Although some tumors and lesions are best treated with large single doses of radiation, others (such as those near the eye, spine, heart or pelvis) may be treated more safely with a series of small daily doses.
The Novalis System is the only device of its type capable of delivering single or multiple treatments either in a single session or over an extended course of therapy.
Image is Everything
Novalis has the ability to combine CT, MRI, PET and other advanced imaging technologies into a single 3-dimensional roadmap, allowing the physician to precisely target a patient's tumor while avoiding critical tissues and organs with unsurpassed accuracy.
Professional Expertise
Scottsdale Healthcare physicians and staff have received specialized training in Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery and provide instruction and education for visitors throughout the country. They pioneered the use of modern fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in Arizona and were the first to use Gold Seed Tracking technology in the treatment of Prostate, Breast, Pancreas and Liver cancer.
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Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery
Scottsdale Radiation Oncology Center
7337 E. Second St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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Learn More about Novalis
To find out if Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery is right for you or your family member, please call the
Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at 480-882-6234, 480-323-1255 or email the
Cancer Care Coordinator The Cancer Care Coordinator will assist you in arranging a consultation with a Novalis-trained physician at the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn or Shea campus.
Learn more about the technology behind Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery by clicking here.