Stereotactic radiosurgery - The role of charged particles

Stereotactic radiosurgery using charged-particle beams has been the subject of biomedical research and clinical development for more than 50 years. Ch arged particles of proton mass or greater manifest unique physical properti es that can be used to place a high dose of radiation preferentially within the boundaries of a deeply located intracranial target volume. Since 1954, nearly 10000 patients have been treated using this technique. Treated diso rders include pituitary tumors, vascular malformations, primary and metasta tic brain tumors, and subfoveal neovascularization. Charged-particle radios urgery is particularly advantageous for the conformal treatment of large an d/or irregularly shaped lesions, or for the treatment of lesions located in front of or adjacent to sensitive brain structures.