Neuro-Oncology Center

A precise diagnosis and an aggressive treatment plan—that’s what the Indiana Neurosciences Institute provides adult and pediatric patients with brain and spinal tumors.

Evaluations and treatments involve multiple members of our expert team in neuroradiology, neurosurgery, neurology and neuro-oncology. From chemotherapy regimens to the latest minimally invasive techniques involving targeted radiology beams, our staff will carefully explain available treatments.

High-Tech Treatment Options

Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery

St.Vincent is the first hospital in Indiana to offer Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery, a groundbreaking treatment for tumors of the brain, spine, liver, lung and prostate, as well as vascular (blood vessel) disorders. This is the most advanced approach to stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy available today.

Novalis works by sending precisely calculated doses of radiation directly to the tumor. The radiation beam is shaped to exactly match the size and shape of the tumor from different angles. The tumor receives the right dose of radiation, and the healthy tissue and body parts are protected.

This type of treatment provides other benefits:

• Virtually painless and usually performed on an outpatient basis
• Fewer side effects than traditional surgery
• No scarring
• Low risk of infection

CyberKnife System

St.Vincent also offers the CyberKnife™ radiosurgery system.

CyberKnife of Indianapolis uses the combination of robotics and real-time image guidance technology to deliver concentrated and accurate beams of radiation to intracranial and extracranial targets. The CyberKnife system is able to position the patient without the use of an invasive stereotactic head frame, and compensates for patient movement during treatment, constantly ensuring accurate targeting.

CyberKnife can treat a variety of lesions and malignant cancers, including ones that were once considered inoperable, and tumors that have previously undergone the maximum allowed dose of radiation. It is an excellent option for cancer patients who are looking for a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that requires little or no recovery time.

Patients with the following medical conditions can be helped by CyberKnife:

• Malignant brain tumors - metastases, recurrent disease
• Benign brain tumors - acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, schwannomas
• Vascular malformations - arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Functional disorders - Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Extracranial tumors and lesions - base of skull, spine/bone (cervical, lumbar, thoracic, sacrum, pelvis), liver, lung, pancreas and prostate cancer