Page 20 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

Fig. 1: Dose distribution using TrueBeam LINAC

Procedural workflow Ê Cognitive Sparing: Spares critical brain tissue,

Ê Step 1: Immobilisation: A customised reducing the risk of memory loss or cognitive
decline compared with whole-brain radiation
thermoplastic mesh mask or lightweight therapy (WBRT).
stereotactic head frame is secured to keep
the patient still. Ê Surgical Alternative: Provides a viable
Ê Step 2: Simulation Imaging: High-resolution treatment pathway for deep-seated, surgically
inaccessible lesions (e.g., brainstem tumours).
MRI, CT, or PET scans are performed to chart
the exact boundaries of the target lesion. Risks & Limitations

Ê Step 3: Treatment Planning: Radiation Ê Latency: Unlike physical resection, SRS does
oncologists and medical physicists use not immediately remove a tumour; results
specialised software to calculate beam manifest over weeks, months, or years.
angles, dose and critical organ boundaries. Ê Radiation Necrosis: A delayed complication
Ê Step 4: Delivery: The patient lies on a in which dead tumour tissue causes localised
motorised treatment couch while the machine swelling and inflammation, sometimes
delivers radiation. The procedure is painless requiring steroid management.
and usually takes 15–60 minutes. Size Thresholds: Generally less effective for large
lesions exceeding 3–4 centimetres in diameter.
Clinical advantages and risk profile

Advantages
Ê Outpatient Nature: Patients typically return
home the same day, avoiding intensive care
stays.

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