patient guide to novalis tx® treatment

Get to know

Novalis Tx

555 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025 (760) 739-3835 www.sdradiosurgery.com

http://www.sdradiosurgery.com/


Novalis TxThe Novalis Tx® treats patients with a procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery, a nonsurgical method of treating tumors with high-dose radiation precisely aimed from different angles.




Novalis TxThe Novalis Tx destroys cancerous and benign tumors with high-dose, highly accurate radiation beams while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This pinpoint accuracy allows our physicians to treat difficult-to-reach tumors that may have been impossible to treat in the past.




Novalis TxBy delivering high-dose radiation beams that match the shape of the tumor being treated, the Novalis Tx also significantly reduces treatment time. A typical session takes about 15 minutes, reducing potential errors that can occur in longer lasting procedures.




Before TreatmentThe San Diego Radiosurgery team of physicians, therapists and nurses are focused on your individualized plan for treatment. Below are some procedures that may be performed prior to your actual Novalis Tx treatment. Every treatment plan is different and not all of these initial steps are necessary for every patient. The procedures required as part of your individualized treatment plan, and the order in which they will occur, will be explained during your consultation visit.

CT SimulationA CT scan is needed prior to beginning the Novalis Tx treatment. Even if you recently had a CT scan as part of your diagnosis, a new one will be needed for the radiation oncologist and physicist to develop your customized treatment plan. Some patients may need a soft mesh mask or body cradle molded from a lightweight material that helps in the Novalis Tx treatment process. The fitting is painless and is completed as part of the CT scan process.

MR ImagingSometimes special imaging procedures, such as an MRI, are needed in addition to the CT Scan. Your radiation oncologist will write specific directions on areas of your body that need to be imaged. The radiation oncologist also determines whether this procedure requires contrast material, a special dye put in your body that helps the radiologist locate the treatment area on your radiology films. Contrast material is available in IV and oral forms.




Before TreatmentThe San Diego Radiosurgery team of physicians, therapists and nurses are centered on your individualized plan for treatment. Below are some procedures that may be performed prior to your actual Novalis Tx treatment. Every treatment plan is different, and not all of these initial steps are necessary for every patient. The procedures required as part of your individualized treatment plan, and the order in which they will occur, will be explained during your consultation visit.

Laboratory StudiesThe MRI procedure may require contrast material. If you need an MRI with contrast, we need to determine whether your kidneys can flush the dye out of your body. Your physician will order what’s known as a “BUN” and a creatinine blood test. The test results determine whether your kidneys can handle the dye on their own or you need IV fluids to help flush out the dye.

Tissue MarkersDepending on your individual case, you made need small tissue markers known as fiducials implanted in or near the tumor site. Fiducials help the Novalis Tx system precisely target the treatment area. A physician implants the fiducials in or near the tumor site in a brief outpatient procedure. We will schedule this procedure and provide instructions for preparation. If needed, fiducial placement takes place prior to the CT scan.




During TreatmentPatients are asked to wear comfortable clothing during the Novalis Tx treatments. Jewelry is acceptable unless it is close to the area being treated. For example, we ask that earrings and necklaces be removed prior to treatment of tumors within the head and neck. Most of all, relax! This is a painless procedure.

A radiation therapist will help you onto the treatment table and fit the mask or body mold if needed. Patients are observed throughout the treatment on closed-circuit television, and they can pause treatment at any time by waving or speaking to the therapist.




During TreatmentThere’s no sedation or anesthesia required. Sometimes patients take naps during their procedures. Feel free to bring an MP3 player or your favorite music CDs with you on the day of your treatment, and we will play them for you during the procedure. We also have a music software program in which you can select your favorite genre of music to be played during the treatment session.

While the Novalis Tx advanced tracking system accounts for movements like breathing, you’re asked to lie still during treatments. The system periodically takes x-ray images and compares them to the CT scan data to make sure the radiation beam is locked on the tumor. Treatment procedures take about 15 minutes, depending on the complexity of your tumor.

Patients are usually allowed to leave the center once treatment is complete and return to their normal routines. If your physician prescribes treatment that is fractionated, or divided into stages, you’ll need to return for up to four more treatments, depending on the treatment plan.




After TreatmentRecovery from a Novalis Tx procedure can be immediate, given both the low risk of complications and the lack of damage to healthy tissue. In most cases, you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately following the procedure.

After completing your Novalis Tx treatment, we’ll need to see you for follow-up imaging and physician consultation to monitor your progress. You will have an individualized plan for follow-up that will be coordinated by a nurse in collaboration with the physicians involved in your care.




Real patients. Real results.“Dr. Coleman and the team at Palomar are people I know and trust. It was a simple treatment that zapped the tumor in one visit, and then I went home.”

Darlene H.




Our CenterUnder the leadership of Medical Director Dr. Brian Volpp, San Diego Radiosurgery offers advanced cancer treatment by some of the region’s most experienced oncologists and technicians. Our center uses a state-of-the-art radiosurgery platform called Novalis Tx, which offers patients fast, accurate, nonsurgical treatments for cancer and certain medical conditions without incision or sedation. We were one of the first facilities in the country to have respiratory gating technology, allowing greater protection of normal tissue during treatment.

Medical Director: Dr. Brian VolppRadiation Oncologist: Dr. Lori A. ColemanNovalis Tx Nurse: Cathy Blazek, RN, BSN

Connect'with'us'!




http://www.youtube.com/sdradiosurgery

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdradiosurgery

http://www.linkedin.com/company/san-diego-radiosurgery

patient guide to novalis tx® treatment

Health & Medicine