Radiation Oncology

"The knife that doesn't cut"

Like a baton to a symphony conductor, a paintbrush to an artist, or a pen to a writer, a scalpel to a surgeon is an extension of his or her talent and skills. It is a conduit to an infinite number of promising medical possibilities. And the rewards are even more remarkable than glorious music, a work of art or a bestseller.

A surgeon's masterpiece can help save a life.

But it is only through a combination of the finest scalpels and technology in the hands of the most highly trained and experienced physicians that extraordinary outcomes can be achieved. It takes an instrument with exceptional capabilities and a physician with remarkable talent to precisely and accurately maneuver into and around delicate structures to eliminate disease.

At our Cancer Institute, we have both.

Our renowned neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists are trained and experienced to utilize an innovative knife that attains extraordinary exactness all without making an incision. The XKnife effectively eliminates benign and malignant tumors of the brain, head, neck, throat and upper lung, and treats a variety of neurological disorders. As a major evolution in the practice of stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy, the XKnife utilizes sophisticated computer treatment planning software and a unique radiation delivery system to dispense pinpoint doses of high-energy radiation to tumors without harming surrounding structures.

At Allegheny Health, the collaborative effort among our radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, physicists, dosimetrists and nurses -- as well as physicians from a variety of other disciplines within the organization -- presents patients with a comprehensive approach to treatment, providing the best chance for the most successful outcomes. We work closely with referring physicians to ensure they are active partners in each stage of their patients' treatment plans.

Superior Precision with Exceptional Results

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

The neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist and physicist collaborate to determine radiation doses, target volumes and beam arrangements. A virtual treatment simulation is then performed, which traces the path of each individual radiation beam through the tumor area. The patient's planning and treatment with the XKnife are completed in one day, and the actual dose administration takes approximately 30 minutes.

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy

XKnife's Clinical Indications

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

• Brain metastases

• Gliomas

• Acoustic neuromas

• Cavernous angiomas

• Intractable seizures

• Recurrent brain tumors

• Pituitary adenomas

• Meningiomas

• Craniopharyngiomas

• Low-grade astrocytomas

• Oligodendrogliomas

• Certain functional brain disorders

• Movement and spasticity disorders