The latest technology: the Gamma Knife Icon

The Gamma Knife Icon lets us treat tumors with pinpoint accuracy and maximum safety. The integrated cone beam CT opens up new therapeutic options – a decisive benefit particularly with large tumors or tumors that are difficult to access. This allows optimal treatment of tumors located near the optic system and the brain stem. Apart from single-dose radiotherapy, the Gamma Knife Icon also supports hypofractionated radiotherapy spread over 4–5 days to treat large tumors.

Consultation and diagnosis

Gamma Knife Icon

The 192 cobalt 60 beam sources in the Gamma Knife are totally shielded. So people can safely enter the radiosurgery suite provided the device is not running. A system of shutters generates a fine beam from each source. Each fine beam is overlaid with all the other beams at the focal point. This way, each individual beam contributes around 0.5% of the overall dose required to eliminate the source of the disease. The key is to determine the exact beam dose to safely kill the tumor, without seriously damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

Stereotactic frame

To guarantee radiotherapy with submillimeter accuracy, we first attach a stereotactic frame to your head. This attachment process is a common neurosurgical procedure that is used for a biopsy, for instance. The attachment points are first anesthetized locally. The frame allows us to pinpoint the source of the disease using the imaging techniques. If the tumor is too large, we also use a thermoplastic mask to perform the radiotherapy. This involves 4–5 applications over time with what we call hypofractionated radiotherapy. The downside is the process requires the patient to co-operate for a longer period of time.

Treatments

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During the radiosurgical treatment we gradually irradiate your tumor for a certain time in each session. Depending on the treatment, the radiosurgery takes on average 30–90 minutes. You can even listen to music during the treatment if you like.

We can, of course, interrupt the treatment at any time to give you a break. We then place an adhesive plaster on the attachment points once the treatment is complete. You’ll usually be able to wash your hair again in two days and the small attachment points normally heal without any marks.

Side effects and aftercare

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Side effects

Following brain tumor surgery, patients will be unfit for work 2–3 months and should avoid physical exertion during this period. By contrast, patients can normally return to work after 2–3 days after radiosurgery with the gamma knife. Patients can perform everyday household chores and exercise again after a week or so. In the initial consultation we run through the possible side effects in detail for each individual case and explain them to the patient.

Aftercare

Necessary aftercare following radiosurgery includes MRI checkups every 4–6 months initially and later annually.

Aftercare aims to detect renewed tumor growth or a residual tumor early on, as well as detecting subsequent side effects. It is important to remember that this is the case both after radiosurgery and after surgery.