Cancer treatment center treats increased number of brain tumor cases.

1. August 20, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah Tiambeng, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3731, saraht@z-comm.com
Physicians at Rush Radiosurgery build research study on
stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumors
Cancer treatment center treats increased number of brain tumor cases
CHICAGO – Rush Radiosurgery at Rush University Medical Center is currently building a research
study examining the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for treating and brain tumors.
The research is based on data from the center’s recent brain tumor cases, which now account for
more than 150 patients treated.
Rush Radiosurgery has seen an increase in referrals since opening in 2012, with patients traveling
from as far as the Gulf Coast to receive the advanced form of treatment the center provides.
“We’ve developed expertise in treating brain tumor patients with stereotactic radiosurgery,” said Dr.
Aidnag Diaz, medical director of Rush Radiosurgery. “By drafting clinical studies based on this
experience, we’ll be able to contribute to the growing body of research that has made stereotactic
radiosurgery more accessible to patients and improved treatment outcomes overall.”
In addition to the brain tumor study, Dr. Diaz is working with the Cancer Committee at Rush
University Medical Center to combine Rush Radiosurgery’s tumor data with that of other departments
in Rush’s Cancer Center. He has previously presented his findings on streamlining the care of brain
tumor patients and SRS treatment at the annual meeting of the Radiosurgical Society of North
America.
Rush Radiosurgery’s TrueBeam STx®
system is a nonsurgical treatment option that delivers precisely
targeted, high-dose radiation beams to tumors. The accuracy of TrueBeam STx radiosurgery allows
physicians to treat difficult-to-reach tumors or those considered inoperable for surgery. This is
particularly beneficial for patients with a brain tumor diagnosis as the position of their tumor can shift
slightly during treatment due to normal movement, such as breathing. The TrueBeam STx uses
sophisticated imaging and respiration synchronization tools to compensate for this movement and to
help protect nearby healthy tissue.
“Patients are drawn not only to this technology’s method of treatment, but also the convenience
factor,” said Dr. Diaz. “The TrueBeam STx treats tumors in one to five procedures that usually take
about 15 minutes each, and patients usually return to normal activities immediately following
treatment.”
TrueBeam STx is used to treat cancerous and noncancerous tumors in various parts of the body with
stereotactic radiosurgery. It can also treat certain types of blood vessel abnormalities, as well as
trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve disorder that causes intense facial pain.
Rush Radiosurgery is a clinical service of Rush University Medical Center and is located in the
Woman’s Board Center for Radiation Therapy on the hospital’s main campus. For more information,
call 312-942-4600, or toll-free at 888-722-6123.

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