The UF radiosurgery team currently includes two neurosurgeons (Dr.William Friedman, Dr. Kelly Foote), a radiation physicist (Dr. Frank Bova), a biomedical engineer, a computer programmer (Russell Moore), a dedicated patient secretary (Fran Anderson), two radiation oncologists (William Mendenhall, Robert Amdur), as well as doctoral students, residents and medical students performing research projects. In 1985, the team decided to implement a radiosurgical capability at the University of Florida. After reviewing available technology, they developed an entirely new approach to radiosurgery, using the linear accelerator as the source of radiation. A new mechanical system to improve accuracy, as well as the first true computer dosimetry for radiosurgery were created. The University of Florida subsequently patented this system which has become one of the most popular commercial systems for radiosurgery worldwide, known as the Linac Scalpel. This system is now marketed by Varian Systems.
The team has developed a customized computer database which enables them to carefully track each of the over 2000 patients treated clinically with radiosurgery at the University of Florida. A full time database coordinator insures that appropriate followup information is available on each patient. This database has facilitated the continuous improvement of radiosurgical treatment at UF and has served as the substrate for over 100 published articles, chapters, and books on stereotactic radiosurgery.
Recent research projects include the following: (1) the implementation of a micromultileaf collimator device for producing non-circular beam shapes in stereotactic radiotherapy (2) the development of new tools for automatic multiple isocenter radiosurgery. (3) the development of a standardized "index" for judging the quality of radiosurgery plans. (4) the development of systems for using radiosurgical technology to treat extracranial tumors (i.e. spine, liver, prostate). The UFBI Radiosurgery/Radiobiology Laboratory includes a dedicated research linear accelerator.
Candidates for radiosurgery include patients with arteriovenous malformations, acoustic schwannomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumors, metastatic tumors, gliomas, and other brain lesions. This one-time outpatient treatment is often an excellent alternative to complex surgical procedures requiring lengthy hospitalization.
For more information about Radiosurgery at The University of Florida please contact Dr. Friedman's secretary at (352) 273-9000 or e-mail fanderso@neurosurgery.ufl.edu.
Radiosurgery Information
