The University of Alabama at Birmingham made history when its Department of Neurosurgery became the first in the U.S. to utilize HyperArc High-Definition Radiotherapy for the treatment of brain cancer.

HyperArc, a technology partly developed in collaboration with UAB by Varian Medical Systems, allows clinicians to administer more precise radiation doses that conform to the size, shape and location of brain cancer tumors, consequently resulting in less damage to healthy surrounding tissue. 

“Working closely with leading institutions like UAB played an important role in the development of HyperArc,” said Kolleen Kennedy, president of Varian’s Oncology Systems business. “We value their continued contributions to the advancement of cancer care, and we are excited that HyperArc treatments have now begun in the U.S.”

Brain metastases occur in about 20-40 percent of cancer patients, with over half of those patients having multiple tumors in the brain. Brain tumors are typically dispersed throughout the brain, making brain tumor surgery one of the most intricate surgical procedures. However, this cutting-edge technology offers a focused alternative when traditional surgery is not feasible or when the tumors are situated in problematic locations.

As the Department of Neurosurgery continues to move the needle in brain tumor treatment, providers remain focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver the most advanced care possible.