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Stereotactic radiotherapy / Gamma knife therapy
What is Stereotactic Radiotherapy / Gamma Knife Therapy?
Stereotactic radiotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that involves applying radiotherapy from specific angles over the body. As a result, high radiation levels are directed at the tumour site, which helps preserve surrounding tissues, resulting in fewer side effects.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy utilises advanced three or 4D imaging software and precisely targeted energy beams directed at the tumour. The procedure works by destroying tumour DNA. As a result, the radiation applied to the tumour site prevents the cancerous cells from replicating even further, causing the cells to die and the tumour to shrink.
A Gamma Knife works by utilising powerful gamma rays to target and treat the region where the tumour is present. Gamma knife therapy is labelled an exclusive treatment for benign and malignant tumours or lesions found in the brain, including vascular abnormalities present in the brain. Fortunately, a Gamma Knife does not necessarily refer to the use of a knife because there is no cutting or incisions involved with this treatment.
Gamma Knife therapy is, therefore, a successful alternative to traditional brain surgery, making it a non-invasive treatment. Based on highly advanced computerised mapping software, oncologists can map the areas of the brain affected and irradiate portions targeted. Due to the high, concentrated levels of radiation directed at the tumour site, the risks of the procedure are relatively low.
How do you perform stereotactic radiotherapy / Gamma Knife Therapy?
Stereotactic body radiotherapy is classified as an outpatient procedure that typically lasts an hour, meaning you are not required to stay overnight in the hospital. A machine directs powerful energy beams at specific sites on the body, depending on where the cancer is found. The radiation beams, however, barely affect the health of nearby tissues. However, the area where the beams converge, usually at the tumour site, receives the highest radiation dose. Therefore, the blood vessels supplying blood to the tumour close off, preventing the growth from developing further.
Gamma Knife BrochurePatient Information Booklet Gamma Knife
FAQ
Typically, you receive approximately 1-8 treatments, depending on your diagnosis, stage of cancer and extent of the illness.
Stereotactic radiotherapy is considered for the following types of cancer:
- Lung cancer
- Primary or metastasised liver cancer
- Lymph node cancer
- Tumours in the spinal cord
- Metastasised cancer of the brain
Gamma knife radiosurgery is advised for small to medium tumours/lesions in the brain.