Patient Guide to Novalis Tx® Treatment

Get to know
NovalisTx
555 EastValley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025 (760) 739-3835 www.sdradiosurgery.com

NovalisTx
The NovalisTx®
treats patients with a procedure called
stereotactic radiosurgery, a nonsurgical method of
treating tumors with high-dose radiation precisely
aimed from different angles.

NovalisTx
The NovalisTx destroys cancerous and benign tumors with
high-dose, highly accurate radiation beams while minimizing
damage to healthy tissue.This pinpoint accuracy allows our
physicians to treat difﬁcult-to-reach tumors that may have
been impossible to treat in the past.

NovalisTx
By delivering high-dose radiation beams that match the
shape of the tumor being treated, the NovalisTx also
signiﬁcantly reduces treatment time.A typical session
takes about 15 minutes, reducing potential errors that
can occur in longer lasting procedures.

BeforeTreatment
The San Diego Radiosurgery team of physicians, therapists and nurses are focused on your individualized plan
for treatment. Below are some procedures that may be performed prior to your actual NovalisTx treatment.
Every treatment plan is different and not all of these initial steps are necessary for every patient.The
procedures required as part of your individualized treatment plan, and the order in which they will occur, will
be explained during your consultation visit.
CT Simulation
A CT scan is needed prior to beginning the NovalisTx treatment. Even if you recently had a CT scan as part
of your diagnosis, a new one will be needed for the radiation oncologist and physicist to develop your
customized treatment plan. Some patients may need a soft mesh mask or body cradle molded from a
lightweight material that helps in the NovalisTx treatment process.The fitting is painless and is completed as
part of the CT scan process.
MR Imaging
Sometimes special imaging procedures, such as an MRI, are needed in addition to the CT Scan.Your radiation
oncologist will write specific directions on areas of your body that need to be imaged.The radiation
oncologist also determines whether this procedure requires contrast material, a special dye put in your body
that helps the radiologist locate the treatment area on your radiology films. Contrast material is available in IV
and oral forms.

BeforeTreatment
The San Diego Radiosurgery team of physicians, therapists and nurses are centered on your individualized
plan for treatment. Below are some procedures that may be performed prior to your actual NovalisTx
treatment. Every treatment plan is different, and not all of these initial steps are necessary for every patient.
The procedures required as part of your individualized treatment plan, and the order in which they will occur,
will be explained during your consultation visit.
Laboratory Studies
The MRI procedure may require contrast material. If you need an MRI with contrast, we need to determine
whether your kidneys can flush the dye out of your body.Your physician will order what’s known as a “BUN”
and a creatinine blood test.The test results determine whether your kidneys can handle the dye on their own
or you need IV fluids to help flush out the dye.
Tissue Markers
Depending on your individual case, you made need small tissue markers known as fiducials implanted in or
near the tumor site. Fiducials help the NovalisTx system precisely target the treatment area.A physician
implants the fiducials in or near the tumor site in a brief outpatient procedure.We will schedule this
procedure and provide instructions for preparation. If needed, fiducial placement takes place prior to the CT
scan.

DuringTreatment
Patients are asked to wear comfortable clothing during the NovalisTx treatments.
Jewelry is acceptable unless it is close to the area being treated. For example, we
ask that earrings and necklaces be removed prior to treatment of tumors within
the head and neck. Most of all, relax!This is a painless procedure.
A radiation therapist will help you onto the treatment table and ﬁt the mask or
body mold if needed. Patients are observed throughout the treatment on closed-
circuit television, and they can pause treatment at any time by waving or speaking
to the therapist.

DuringTreatment
There’s no sedation or anesthesia required. Sometimes patients take naps during
their procedures. Feel free to bring an MP3 player or your favorite music CDs with
you on the day of your treatment, and we will play them for you during the
procedure.We also have a music software program in which you can select your
favorite genre of music to be played during the treatment session.
While the NovalisTx advanced tracking system accounts for movements like
breathing, you’re asked to lie still during treatments.The system periodically takes x-
ray images and compares them to the CT scan data to make sure the radiation
beam is locked on the tumor.Treatment procedures take about 15 minutes,
depending on the complexity of your tumor.
Patients are usually allowed to leave the center once treatment is complete and
return to their normal routines. If your physician prescribes treatment that is
fractionated, or divided into stages, you’ll need to return for up to four more
treatments, depending on the treatment plan.

AfterTreatment
Recovery from a NovalisTx procedure can be immediate, given both the low risk of
complications and the lack of damage to healthy tissue. In most cases, you will be
able to return to your normal activities immediately following the procedure.
After completing your NovalisTx treatment, we’ll need to see you for follow-up
imaging and physician consultation to monitor your progress.You will have an
individualized plan for follow-up that will be coordinated by a nurse in collaboration
with the physicians involved in your care.

Real patients. Real results.
“Dr. Coleman and the team at Palomar are people I know
and trust. It was a simple treatment that zapped the tumor
in one visit, and then I went home.”
Darlene H.

Our Center
Under the leadership of Medical Director Dr. BrianVolpp, San
Diego Radiosurgery offers advanced cancer treatment by some of
the region’s most experienced oncologists and technicians. Our
center uses a state-of-the-art radiosurgery platform called Novalis
Tx, which offers patients fast, accurate, nonsurgical treatments for
cancer and certain medical conditions without incision or
sedation.We were one of the ﬁrst facilities in the country to have
respiratory gating technology, allowing greater protection of
normal tissue during treatment.
Medical Director: Dr. BrianVolpp
Radiation Oncologist: Dr. Lori A. Coleman
NovalisTx Nurse: Cathy Blazek, RN, BSN
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Patient Guide to Novalis Tx® Treatment

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