How Radiation Helps
Radiation works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing or dividing. Radiosurgery is different from traditional radiation therapy because it delivers radiation in an extremely precise and concentrated way. This minimizes damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue.
When It’s Used
Radiosurgery is commonly used for:
Patients with a small number (1–10) of brain metastases
Tumors that are too deep or risky for surgery
Patients who cannot undergo surgery due to other medical conditions
Controlling tumor growth after surgery
Delaying or avoiding whole-brain radiation therapy, which has more side effects
Radiosurgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.
Why We Use Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is an effective, non-invasive way to treat brain metastases while minimizing side effects compared to surgery or whole-brain radiation. It allows patients to return to daily life quickly while keeping cancer under control. We will coordinate with your neurosurgeon and medical oncologist.
At Memorial Radiation Oncology Medical Group, we are committed to offering the latest, evidence-based treatments while ensuring comfort and safety for our patients. Radiosurgery is one of the ways we provide cutting-edge cancer care with a compassionate approach.
The Treatment Process
1. Consultation & Planning
Your radiation oncologist will review your case, imaging scans (MRI, CT), and medical history. A treatment plan (Dose of radiation and number of treatments) is designed based on the size, number, and location of the tumors.
2. Creating a Custom Headframe or Mask
To keep your head still, a custom plastic mask. The mask is painless and made to fit comfortably but snugly.
3. Imaging & Treatment Mapping
A detailed CT scan is performed while wearing the mask. The CT scan will be fused to your diagnostic MRI brain. These scans help your team precisely map the tumor’s location. Radiation physicists/dosimetrists and doctors work together to plan the safest and most effective radiation delivery.
4. Treatment Delivery (Radiosurgery Session)
You will lie on a treatment table while a machine (such as EDGE or CyberKnife) delivers radiation. The treatment usually lasts 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of tumors. You will not feel anything during treatment.
5. Post-Treatment Monitoring
You can usually go home the same day. Follow-up MRI scans will be done in the following 2-3 months to monitor tumor response. If you are on steroids, your doctor will reduce your dosage soon after completion of radiosurgery.
Side Effects of Radiosurgery (During and 1-2 weeks after)
Acute (Short-Term) Side Effects
These may happen within hours or days of treatment:
Fatigue – Feeling tired for a few days or weeks
Headache or nausea – Due to mild brain swelling, usually temporary
Scalp irritation – If the mask was tight or the radiation targeted near the skin
Hair loss – Only in small areas where radiation entered
Side Effects of Radiosurgery (Months-Years)
Memory or thinking changes – Some people notice mild cognitive effects over time
Radiation necrosis (scar tissue in the brain) – Can cause swelling, usually managed with medication
Seizures or brain swelling (rare) – Treated with steroids if needed