Gamma Knife Kelly & Tarah

What Is Gamma Knife? Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Non-invasive procedure that gives a high dose of radiation to the tumor or target while sparing normal tissue. Less chance of harming the function of structures. I.e. brain stem, optic nerve. 192-201 beams of gamma rays.

What and Who Is It Used For? Small to medium size intracranial tumors and other abnormal conditions. Brain tumors, brain metastases, pituitary tumors, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), trigeminal neuralgia, acoustic neuroma. Adults and Pediatrics. For individuals who have a condition that cannot be reached through surgery, those who cannot go under surgery, or those who want a non-invasive procedure.

How Does It Work? Four step process: Head frame fitted for patient Keeps head in rigid position for treatment Imaging for localization of lesion CT and/or MRI Treatment Planning Done by the treatment team with the help of specialized computer software Delivery of Radiation One to four hours

How Does It Work? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player _detailpage&v=5DDmCLJN7K8 http://gammaknifeonline.in/treatment_process http://www.internationalgammaknifeclinic.com/locations.htm

Disadvantages Side effects are possible. Acute: redness, irritation, nausea/vomiting, headaches, and soreness/swelling, and hair loss in treatment area Chronic: brain changes, spinal cord changes, secondary malignancy Pediatric patients may require systemic anesthesia. Gamma Knife machines are not as readily available as other treatment methods.

Advantages Heavy dose of radiation to shrink tumor while sparing structure and function of normal tissues. Can be done in one or few treatments. Accurate within 1-2 mm. Quality of Life. No knife, no blood loss, and little or no recovery time. Around half the cost of traditional surgery.

Where Is It Located? Approximately 125 places in the U.S. have Gamma Knife. In Minnesota: Mayo Clinic University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview

Take Home Points Gamma Knife can be a great alternative to traditional surgery.

References Gamma-knife radiosurgery - MayoClinic.com. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gamma-knife- radiosurgery/MY00206 Hoffelt, C. (2006). Gamma Knife vs. Cyberknife. Oncology Issues. Retrieved February 20, 2013, from http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/documents/cyberknife/oncologyissuesvol21no5.p df Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). (n.d.). Mobile RadiologyInfo.org. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=stereotactic Why Gamma Knife® surgery? | Elekta. (n.d.). Gamma Knife, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Oncology, Brachytherapy, TPS & OIS Software | Elekta. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from http://www.elekta.com/healthcare- professionals/products/elekta-neuroscience/gamma-knife-surgery/why-gamma- knife-surgery.html