Other patients come to Staten Island University Hospital with brain metastases that have remained or grown despite standard radiation or prior surgery. Radiation-enhancers have been shown to be highly effective in head and neck cancers, as well. Cancers of the head and neck area continue to be treated with unique approaches at Staten Island University Hospital with high response rates in general. These cancers include the nasopharynx, maxillary sinus and other primary sites within this crucial area of the body. Many patients come to us for treatment after standard radiation, chemotherapy or surgery failed to work.
Benign tumors represent a particularly important area.
Their treatment is being revolutionized by the introduction of fractionated radiosurgery at Staten Island University Hospital. The most common benign tumors include meningiomas and acoustic neuromas. Other neuromas and schwannomas are well-treated with a high degree of confidence. Fractionation for benign tumors like acoustic neuromas means the toxicity of treatment is markedly diminished or eliminated compared to single fraction radiosurgery or open surgery. For example, with open surgery the vast majority of patients with acoustic neuromas lose hearing and many lose facial function - a marked physical and psychological calamity.