Gamma Knife radiosurgery has revolutionized the treatment of a wide spectrum of brain tumors and vascular malformations, many of which were previously considered untreatable. The noninvasive procedure replaces the surgeon’s scalpel with 201 narrow beams of cobalt gamma radiation that are precisely focused on a single target. The tissue being treated receives the highest dose of radiation, while surrounding tissue is left minimally affected.
In combination with traditional surgery and radiation therapy, Gamma Knife radiosurgery can increase the survival rate for patients with malignant brain tumors that cannot be completely removed through conventional means.
Because it is a non-invasive technique, Gamma Knife treatment has proven especially beneficial for patients who are considered poor surgical candidates because of age, health factors (such as diabetes or hypertension), or inability to tolerate general anesthesia.
University Hospitals is the only program in the region offering both the conventional Gamma Knife for brain tumors as well as the CyberKnife®, the next generation in radiosurgery, which treats tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy.
In April, the Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center spent $3 million to purchase the Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ upgrade. This new technology allows for a dramatically increased treatable volume, estimated to increase the number of patients that can benefit from Gamma Knife surgery by over 40 percent. With the new upgrade, more patients can be seen daily, with the procedure taking only 60-90 minutes. The Gamma Knife is the most accurate form of stereotactic radiosurgery for the brain, focusing numerous beams of radiation directly on a targeted area while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
As part of University Hospitals Neurological Institute, the SRS Program is able to offer patients convenient evaluation and expedited appointments. Please call 866-UH4-CARE.