March 28 , 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tom Rosenberger, APR, Communications Department (513) 569-5260
CONTACT: Cindy Starr, MSJ, Communications Department (513) 584-2214

CINCINNATI, OH–Physicians with Mayfield Clinic and The Neuroscience Institute at The University Hospital in Cincinnati have performed a revolutionary new procedure for treating brain and spinal cord tumors, called sterotactic intensity modulated radiotherapy (Sterotactic IMRT). This technique is performed utilizing LEXAR™, the world's first high precision stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery system for treating tumors and vascular malformations throughout the nervous system. This marks the first time in North America Stereotactic IMRT has been performed.

An opportunity to interview the physicians using the Stereotactic IMRT, a patient who underwent a procedure with this technology, and a representative from the medical company who developed the IMRT technology will occur on Wednesday, March 28, at 10:00 a.m. in the lower level lobby of The Barrett Cancer Center of The University Hospital.

Stereotactic IMRT is the most advanced and precise method for delivering highly conformed radiotherapy to targets in the head and neck. This technology builds on the currently used technique of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, enabling high dose radiation treatments to be safely delivered to tumors that are very close to sensitive structures in the brain and spinal cord. Stereotactic IMRT is performed by modulating radiation beams using a computer-driven device and planning software that enables radiation fields to be configured into shapes to more exactly match the contours of a tumor.

<>LEXAR's high precision radiotherapy has the ability to simulate the size and shape of most tumors in the body, even irregularly shaped tumors. LEXAR was introduced in 1999 through a collaborative effort between physicians and surgeons at The Neuroscience Institute of The University Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio and Radionics and Seimens International technology firms.

The Neuroscience Institute is a regional neuroscience center of excellence developed by the Health Alliance and based at The University Hospital. The Neuroscience Institute offers comprehensive, compassionate, specialized care for patients with diseases or disorders of the brain and nervous system.

The Health Alliance is an integrated health care delivery system that includes The Christ Hospital, The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Jewish Hospital, The Fort Hamilton Hospital and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care