What is Gamma Knife?
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a highly specialised type of radiotherapy used to treat certain complex conditions in the brain and at the base of the skull.
It uses hundreds of finely focused beams of gamma radiation that meet at a single point to treat the target area with exceptional precision. It’s often used to manage malignant tumours, benign tumours (including vestibular/acoustic schwannomas, meningiomas and pituitary tumours), functional brain conditions (trigeminal neuralgia) and vascular conditions (arteriovenous malformations and cavernoma).
What are the benefits?
• Non-invasive - No incision, general anaesthetic, or hospital stay
• Highly precise - Surrounding healthy brain tissue is protected
• Quick recovery - Most people resume their usual routine within a day
• Clinically proven - Gamma Knife has decades of evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness
• An alternative to surgery - Especially helpful for people who aren’t suitable for open brain surgery due to age, health, or tumour location
How does it work?
During treatment, detailed brain scans such as an MRI or CT are used to map the exact area for treatment. The Gamma Knife system then delivers nearly 200 tiny beams of radiation to deliver a powerful dose to the target site, painlessly.
A lightweight head frame or custom mask keeps your head still during the treatment, which usually lasts a few hours over the course of one to five days. You can typically go home the same day and return to most normal activities soon after.
Who is eligible for Gamma Knife radiosurgery?
Your specialist team may recommend Gamma Knife treatment if you have:
Small to medium-sized brain tumours (benign or malignant)
Secondary (metastatic) brain tumours, particularly where multiple tumors are present
Vascular conditions such as AVMs and cavernoma
Functional disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia, essential tremor, or Parkinsons disease
Tumours that have returned after surgery or previous radiotherapy
Your specialist will review your scans, medical history, and overall health to confirm if Gamma Knife is the best option for you.
Gamma Knife may not be recommended for all brain tumours and conditions. If Gamma Knife isn't suitable, your care team will discuss other safe and effective treatment options with you.
Become a patient
Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information.
Enquire today
