16 Aou 2023 | Categorie : Center news

Center news : Stereotactic radiotherapy, 7 years of expertise at Ibn Khaldoun Medical Center in Tunisia

Stereotactic radiotherapy, a high-precision technique implemented at Ibn Khaldoun Medical Center in Tunisia for over 7 years, relies on the use of converging mini-beams for the high-dose treatment of small tumors.

Intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy

This technique is selectively applied and isn't suitable for all tumors. Certain criteria must be fulfilled before considering this treatment. The radiotherapist, neurosurgeon, and radiologist will confer on the matter.

It is primarily used to address specific benign or malignant brain tumors. These encompass:

• Pituitary adenomas
• Acoustic neuromas
• Cerebral metastases
• Meningiomas
• Cerebral vascular malformations, potentially in conjunction with embolization
• Re-irradiation of gliomas

This technique is typically carried out using a radiotherapy machine known as a Linear Accelerator, which is outfitted with a multi-blade collimator and specialized accessories designed for stereotaxy.

In the first phase, the treatment preparation involves:

• Patient positioning facilitated by a rigid mask to ensure precise immobilization and alignment.
• Utilization of a simulation scanner to meticulously plan the entire treatment procedure.
• Technical analysis of the treatment (conducted without the patient's presence): Contouring, Dosimetry, Validation of treatment plan.

In the second phase, we progress to the treatment sessions, conducting a technical check-up at each session while diligently monitoring our patients throughout their course of treatment.

Throughout the treatment process, patients typically experience no discomfort, with neither heat nor pain being notable. The primary responsibility of the patient during these sessions is to maintain complete stillness. The duration of each treatment session varies considerably, typically averaging around one hour.

A multidisciplinary team is tasked with overseeing the patient, encompassing expertise in radiotherapy, neurosurgery, neuroimaging, and medical physics to provide comprehensive care.

Extracranial Stereotactic Radiotherapy

The technical procedure mirrors that of intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy, but it is rather tailored for treating extracranial tumors such as those found in the bones, thoracic region, pelvis, and beyond.

In summary, Stereotactic Radiotherapy stands as a cutting-edge treatment, well-tolerated by patients, and marked by high effectiveness.

IBN KHALDOUN MEDICAL CENTER'S EXPERTISE SPANS FROM 2017:

This experience encompasses the treatment of over 60 cases.

Our expertise is disseminated through scientific papers presented at national and international conferences, entitled:

• Intracranial Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Procedure and Indication (2016)
• Starting Stereotactic Radiotherapy at a Radiotherapy Center: Ibn Khaldoun Medical Center (2016)
• Intracranial Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Clinical Case of Brain Metastasis (2017)
• Intracranial Stereotactic Radiotherapy Case 1: Pituitary Adenoma (2017)
• Indications for Intracranial Stereotactic Radiotherapy (2017)
• Clinical Case: Cerebral Metastasis of Pulmonary ADK (2017)
• Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Insights from Ibn Khaldoun Medical Center (2019)
• Dosimetric impact on the use of FFF beams in intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy (2019)
• Extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy: 1st case treated: stereotactic treatment of a D4 bone metastasis (2020)
• Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Lung Tumors (2020)
• Introducing Bone Stereotactic Radiotherapy at Ibn Khaldoun Medical Center (2022)
• Insights into Intracranial Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Feedback from Ibn Khaldoun Medical Center (2022)
• Exploring Cerebral Salvage Treatment through Stereotactic Irradiation (2023)