Study Shows Effectiveness of Gamma Knife Treatment

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 11, 2009 – A study conducted by radiation oncologists at the Cleveland Clinic showed that the Gamma Knife® is effective at controlling recurring brain tumors and extending patient survival.

The study is based on the research team’s analysis of 111 patients who initially were treated with whole-brain-radiation-therapy (WBRT) then received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to treat the tumor recurrence.  Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery was used to treat 110 of the 111 patients.  The results of this study are supported by more than 30 years of clinical studies, which are documented in more than 1,500 published, peer-reviewed articles and have shown that the Gamma Knife has clear benefits compared to traditional neurosurgery.

South Nassau Communities Hospital was the first and is currently the only hospital on Long Island to use the Gamma Knife.  When South Nassau invested in this potentially life-saving technology it was with the knowledge that it would be of great benefit to the communities the hospital serves and that it effectively and efficiently treat the gamut of brain tumors, malformations, and conditions.

Since opening Long Island Gamma Knife in 2002, nearly 1,000 patients have received Gamma Knife treatment at South Nassau, including more than 500 patients with a variety of brain tumors including pituitary, metastatic or meningioma lesions, primary brain tumors, acoustic neuroma, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs,) and other conditions.

South Nassau has a multidisciplinary team consisting of first-rate neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, physicists, and nurses, who are specially trained in performing Gamma Knife procedures.  Long Island Gamma Knife’s peerless track record and tradition of excellence is attributable to the team’s acumen and experience and commitment to developing patient-centered treatment plans that maximize the benefits of the Gamma Knife.

The Gamma Knife treats brain tumors and other disorders with a precise delivery of a single high dose of radiation, which shrinks the tumor by preventing the cancerous cells from reproducing and retaining fluids.  The Gamma Knife’s 201 intersecting cobalt beams provide a dose of precise radiation equal to 20-30 traditional radiation treatments in one 45-minute session.

The Gamma Knife can be considered for masses that are small or large, single or multiple, benign or malignant, with or without surrounding edema, with or without standard surgery or radiation, with tissue or radiographic diagnosis, in children or adults, in the brain, orbits, or paranasal sinuses.

Since Gamma Knife surgery is minimally invasive, the lengthy hospital stays associated with brain surgery are avoided.  Patients return home the same day of treatment, and can usually resume their normal activities, including working and driving, within days. There is little risk of potential morbidity, such as hemorrhage and infection, that is associated with conventional surgery.  For additional information on the Long Island Gamma Knife, or to arrange for an evaluation, please call 1-866-LI GAMMA.