New surgery technology is making radiation more precise, improving quality of life for many patients with brain tumors. Experts are working across disciplines to break new ground in functional radiosurgery at Ohio State, delivering precise radiation beams to treat a wide variety of neurological conditions. Through the high-tech method — also called stereotactic radiosurgery — treatment is administered with results that are far less invasive than more traditional surgeries, improving the quality of life of patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions, including many brain tumors. “At Ohio State, we always strive to provide the most advanced techniques to optimize patients’ quality of life,” radiation oncologist Evan Thomas, MD, PhD, says. Click to learn more about radiation oncology at the OSUCCC – James. In recent years, improved imaging and a better understanding of the neural networks and pathways in the brain and throughout the body have increased the ways in which functional radiosurgery is used. “We're really talking about very focal treatments with even submillimeter-level precision that allows us to target very tiny structures within the brain,” Thomas says. The technique is also used to treat tremors and long-term pain associated with tumors and neural network issues in the brain and throughout the body. “We can locate the sensory relay area for the pain in the brain and that can be the target to interrupt the pain network,” says Brian Dalm, MD, a neurosurgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Click to learn more about brain cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. While functional radiosurgery was pioneered in the 1960s, recent imaging advancements are enabling practitioners to expand the benefits of the technology. “Now that we have the imaging capabilities, we can see network connections, we can understand what's abnormal and we can identify changes afterwards as well,” Dalm says. “Then we can modulate areas or selectively go after parts of those abnormal connections and networks and make some changes.” The work of Thomas, Dalm and their colleagues is making a big difference in the lives of their patients, many of whom experience rapid relief from symptoms brought on by their conditions. “A patient's quality of life can be dramatically improved within hours or days after a procedure,” Thomas says. “One of the most rewarding things in medicine is seeing a patient and knowing that you've truly made a difference for them.” Click to learn more about cancer research innovation at the OSUCCC – James.