August 20, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sarah Tiambeng, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3731, saraht@z-comm.com Physicians at Rush Radiosurgery build research study on stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumors Cancer treatment center treats increased number of brain tumor cases CHICAGO – Rush Radiosurgery at Rush University Medical Center is currently building a research study examining the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for treating and brain tumors. The research is based on data from the center’s recent brain tumor cases, which now account for more than 150 patients treated. Rush Radiosurgery has seen an increase in referrals since opening in 2012, with patients traveling from as far as the Gulf Coast to receive the advanced form of treatment the center provides. “We’ve developed expertise in treating brain tumor patients with stereotactic radiosurgery,” said Dr. Aidnag Diaz, medical director of Rush Radiosurgery. “By drafting clinical studies based on this experience, we’ll be able to contribute to the growing body of research that has made stereotactic radiosurgery more accessible to patients and improved treatment outcomes overall.” In addition to the brain tumor study, Dr. Diaz is working with the Cancer Committee at Rush University Medical Center to combine Rush Radiosurgery’s tumor data with that of other departments in Rush’s Cancer Center. He has previously presented his findings on streamlining the care of brain tumor patients and SRS treatment at the annual meeting of the Radiosurgical Society of North America. Rush Radiosurgery’s TrueBeam STx® system is a nonsurgical treatment option that delivers precisely targeted, high-dose radiation beams to tumors. The accuracy of TrueBeam STx radiosurgery allows physicians to treat difficult-to-reach tumors or those considered inoperable for surgery. This is particularly beneficial for patients with a brain tumor diagnosis as the position of their tumor can shift slightly during treatment due to normal movement, such as breathing. The TrueBeam STx uses sophisticated imaging and respiration synchronization tools to compensate for this movement and to help protect nearby healthy tissue. “Patients are drawn not only to this technology’s method of treatment, but also the convenience factor,” said Dr. Diaz. “The TrueBeam STx treats tumors in one to five procedures that usually take about 15 minutes each, and patients usually return to normal activities immediately following treatment.” TrueBeam STx is used to treat cancerous and noncancerous tumors in various parts of the body with stereotactic radiosurgery. It can also treat certain types of blood vessel abnormalities, as well as trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve disorder that causes intense facial pain. Rush Radiosurgery is a clinical service of Rush University Medical Center and is located in the Woman’s Board Center for Radiation Therapy on the hospital’s main campus. For more information, call 312-942-4600, or toll-free at 888-722-6123.

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