Reno CyberKnife has treated over 300 brain tumor patients since 2008 using a multidisciplinary approach with Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center and Sierra Neurosurgery. Specialists in radiation oncology and neurosurgery evaluate each patient's case to determine the best treatment option, which may include CyberKnife radiosurgery. CyberKnife is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-dose radiation beams with sub-millimeter accuracy to target tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Brain tumors make up 41% of cases treated at Reno CyberKnife and patients typically return to daily routines with few side effects after a single 90-minute CyberKnife session.

1. May 9, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah Tiambeng, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3731, saraht@z-comm.com
Reno CyberKnife Offers Multidisciplinary Approach to Brain
Tumor Treatment
Northern Nevada-based cancer center highlights achievements in cancer patient care
for Brain Tumor Awareness Month
RENO, Nev. – In recognition of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Reno CyberKnife announces the
treatment of more than 300 brain tumor patients since opening in 2008 as a service of Saint Mary’s
Regional Medical Center. The center joins the efforts of community organizations and support groups
to raise awareness of brain tumors and educate the public on symptoms and treatment options.
Brain tumors comprise nearly half of the cases treated at the center, accounting for 41 percent of all
patient treatments. Reno CyberKnife works with hospital partner Saint Mary’s Regional Medical
Center and Sierra Neurosurgery to offer multidisciplinary care through Saint Mary’s Brain Tumor
Center. Reno CyberKnife radiation oncologists work closely with neurosurgeons and other specialists
to provide brain tumor patients with a comprehensive overview of treatment options. Specialists in
both radiation oncology and neurosurgery evaluate each patient’s diagnostic images and medical
history to provide guidance on the best course of treatment for their individual diagnosis.
“Reno CyberKnife is proud to be a partner in this collaborative approach to treating patients facing a
brain tumor diagnosis,” said Dr. Katie Legarza, Reno CyberKnife co-medical director. “It is a
rewarding opportunity to provide patients with the most thorough information available and to educate
them on the treatment options available through our program, including CyberKnife®
.”
Brain tumors are typically treated with surgery or conventional radiation therapy, which can be
challenging due to the sensitive tissue surrounding the tumor. The hospital stay and general
anesthesia required for surgery and the side effects of conventional radiation therapy can also be
difficult for some patients to endure.
Reno CyberKnife treats brain tumors with an advanced procedure called stereotactic radiosurgery
using CyberKnife technology. Though the name may invoke images of knives and scalpels,
CyberKnife treats patients without incision or sedation. During treatment, high-dose radiation beams
are delivered to the tumor with sub-millimeter accuracy. The CyberKnife is able to track the tumor in
real time during treatment and adjust for patient movement, minimizing damage to surrounding
healthy tissue.
“The convenience of CyberKnife treatment also makes it an attractive option for patients,” Dr. Legarza
said. “The nonsurgical treatment approach usually allows patients to return to their daily routines with
few to no side effects.”

2. CyberKnife treatment could take up to five sessions depending on the individual diagnosis, but brain
tumors are typically treated in one CyberKnife session lasting about 90 minutes.
In addition to treating brain tumors, Reno CyberKnife treats malignant and benign tumors in the spine,
lung, liver, pancreas, kidney and eye. Brain and lung tumors comprise the majority of treatments at
the center.
Reno CyberKnife is a service of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center and is located at 645 North
Arlington Ave. in Reno, Nev. For more information, call (775) 348-9900.
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