Brainlab Raises Awareness about Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases Patients on World Cancer Day 2017
Medical technology leader highlights stereotactic radiosurgery as alternative to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with multiple brain metastases
In support of World Cancer Day 2017, which aims to bring global attention to cancer, Brainlab, a leader in cancer-fighting technologies, raises awareness about metastatic brain cancer and the revolutionary new methods being used to treat the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 14 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year, with that number expected to rise by 70% over the next two decades. Cancers of the lung, breast, skin, colon and kidney present the highest risk of metastasizing to the brain.
As treatments improve, in combination with early detection, cancer patients are living longer, resulting in higher incidence of brain metastases, according to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). One of the most prevalent procedures for treating multiple brain metastases is whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) despite increasing evidence that WBRT can lead to significant cognitive side effects and the existence of alternative, less severe treatment options for the majority of cases. New developments in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), however, have shown effective, time-efficient means to treat multiple brain metastases while preserving cognitive function.
“Why continue using a treatment approach like WBRT that can result in the significant, long-term, irreversible side effects of memory loss, dementia, when with a carefully constructed clinical approach of radiosurgery in close and careful follow-up, the outcomes are comparable,” commented Dwight Heron, M.D., Radiation Oncologist at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute & UPMC CancerCenter.
Brainlab strives to increase access to and consistency of radiosurgery treatments. The Novalis Radiosurgery program is now available in over 430 hospitals worldwide. With Novalis Certified, Brainlab promotes the safe and effective delivery of radiosurgery through rigorous audits of these Novalis Radiosurgery sites by an independent expert group. These thorough reviews include examination of training and qualifications, quality assurance, policies, procedures and clinical protocols to help ensure that facilities offer high quality, consistent treatments to their patients.
“When it comes to the treatment of cancer, Brainlab has always been dedicated to defining and shaping the future of advanced medical technology,” commented Stefan Vilsmeier, Brainlab President and CEO. “On World Cancer Day, we want to help raise awareness about the options cancer patients have to fight both their primary and metastatic disease.”
To learn more about Brainlab radiosurgery, visit brainlab.com/radiosurgery-products.
Brainlab AG
Brainlab creates software-driven med tech digitizing, automating and optimizing clinical workflows. Serving physicians, medical professionals and patients in 6300+ hospitals in 122 countries, we’re transforming healthcare to improve the lives of patients everywhere. We employ over 2200 people in 25 locations worldwide. Visit and follow: Brainlab, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About World Cancer Day
A truly global event taking place every year on February 4, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.
It aims to prevent millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.
For more information, visit worldcancerday.org.