Gamma Knife
How the Gamma Knife Works
Gamma Knife treatment requires the combined skills of a neurosurgeon,
a radiation oncologist, a neuroradiologist, a medical physicist,
an imaging technologist, a specially trained nurse and a radiation
therapist.
Gamma Knife specialists pinpoint the radiation
beam target by using images from MRI or CT scans. |
Each patient wears a lightweight head frame that attaches to a
helmet, through which 201 beams of gamma radiation will focus precisely
at the target. Only the exact tissue being treated receives a strong
dose of radiation, while the surrounding tissue remains unharmed.
The Gamma Knife delivers radiation that actually destroys the DNA
in tumor cells so they can no longer grow and reproduce. When the
cells mature and are unable to replicate themselves, they simply
die. Because these dying cells are unable to be replaced, the tumor
stops growing.
The speed with which the treatment takes effect depends on the
type of tumor (its tissue type, or histology). Fast-growing tumors,
such as metastases, respond very quickly (weeks), whereas slow-growing
tumors, such as acoustic neuromas, have slower response times (months,
sometimes years). The Gamma Knife can be used alone or in combination
with surgery or radiotherapy.
What should patients expect? 
Back | Gamma
Knife Treatment |
