Radiosurgery for Cancer Treatment

Varian Edge delivers radiation accurately to hard-to-reach cancers

The Varian Edge™ makes it possible for the Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Center team to treat a wide range of cancers noninvasively, including cancers of the brain and spine – without anesthesia or surgery. It's an important alternative to invasive surgery for tumors that are close to critical organs and are subject to movement in the body during radiation therapy. The Edge delivers precise, accurate, and fast treatment while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissue.

The Edge is used for advanced, outpatient radiosurgery (surgery without a knife). It combines state-of-the-art imaging, targeting, and treatment in one comprehensive system. It also offers a high radiation dose rate for faster treatment in briefer time frames.

The Edge operates with submillimeter accuracy and real-time tracking to accurately target and destroy tumors. It performs accuracy checks every 10 milliseconds and shuts off if it detects the patient's position has shifted during treatment. With each noninvasive procedure lasting only minutes, patients can quickly resume daily activities.

Radiosurgery can be used in combination with other treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or immunotherapy for some types of cancer. It also can be used alone as the best course of treatment for certain tumors.

The Varian Edge pinpoints tumors and delivers highly focused treatments in fewer sessions and at a noticeably faster rate while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues.