Varian Edge Radiosurgery System

The Varian® Edge™ radiosurgery system is the most advanced radiosurgery technology available and a key component of Stony Brook Medicine’s Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) program. Designed to deliver precise, noninvasive cancer treatments, the Edge offers patients a cutting-edge alternative to traditional surgery.

What is the Edge?

The Edge is state-of-the-art radiation equipment used to treat both malignant and benign tumors. This system delivers finely focused beams of radiation to eliminate tumors, much like a surgical procedure but without incisions or blood loss. It is a noninvasive, same-day outpatient procedure offering precision and accuracy. Treatments with the Edge are exclusively performed in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Stony Brook Medicine.

How Does Radiosurgery Work?

Radiosurgery uses advanced imaging and high-intensity radiation to target and destroy tumors. Initially developed for treating brain tumors, it has since been adapted for other areas of the body through SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy).

Key Features of Radiosurgery and SBRT:

• Precise Targeting: Radiation beams are aimed with accuracy within one millimeter to protect surrounding healthy tissue.
• Broad Applications: Effective for tumors in the brain, spinal cord, lung, liver, face and other areas.
• Fewer Treatments: Delivers high-dose radiation, often leading to tumor eradication in just one to five sessions.

Features of the Varian Edge Radiosurgery System

The Edge system is engineered to treat a wide range of cancers with unparalleled technology, providing an alternative to traditional surgery.

Advanced Capabilities:

• Knifelike, high-intensity radiation precisely targets and eliminates tumors—even those in challenging locations
• Offers continuous imaging during treatment, allowing the tumor to be viewed from nearly every angle
• Sophisticated respiratory and tumor tracking systems minimize risks when tumors move due to breathing or changes in size between treatments
• Delivers higher doses of radiation at great speed, ensuring quick but accurate treatments

Benefits to Patients

The Edge system is designed to improve patients’ quality of life by delivering faster, less invasive treatments.

Why Patients Choose the Edge:

• Treatments typically last less than 15 minutes, letting patients quickly return to their daily routines
• No incisions mean no hospital stays—procedures are completely outpatient
• High precision reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissue, leading to fewer side effects

By offering cutting-edge technology with the Edge radiosurgery system, Stony Brook Medicine provides patients with an innovative, effective option for tackling even the toughest cancers.