Newest Gamma Knife Offers Options to People with Brain Metastases, Abnormalities at MUSC
In Charleston, SC, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hollings Cancer Center is offering a new modality of treatment for individuals with brain tumors and other abnormalities. The center recently introduced the Elekta Esprit, the newest version of Gamma Knife radiosurgery technology.
Redefining Options for Brain Metastases Treatment
Gamma Knife radiosurgery uses 192 separate rays of radiation to target specific spots in the brain, making it particularly effective in treating brain metastases, cancer that has spread to the brain from other body regions. Istvan Takacs, M.D., a neurosurgeon, and Charlotte Rivers, M.D., a radiation oncologist, spearhead the Gamma Knife team at Hollings Cancer Center, treating around 300 patients each year.
Dr. Rivers explains, “Once you have cancer that has spread to the brain, then by definition that’s Stage 4, and we always tell patients that the cancer is usually not curable. But what we are able to do is diffuse neurologic symptoms and thereby maintain their quality of life.”
Offering this type of treatment allows the primary care oncologist to focus on treating the patient’s primary cancer. “We can keep tumors at bay in the head, which is amazing because it reduces the pressure on hospital beds”, Takacs said.
The Elekta Esprit:
Compared to traditional Gamma Knife technology, the new Elekta Esprit has various enhancements aimed at increasing patient comfort and expanding the types of cases that can be treated. The Esprit model brings in a “frameless” option in which a personalized mask replaces the typical head frame used for patient positioning. This invention allows for fractionated treatments, spreading treatment over several days. This flexibility makes it safer and more effective in treating larger brain metastases and hard-to-reach brain or skull base tumors, according to Dr. Rivers.
A New Lease on Life
Gamma Knife patient Cindy Petry from Murrells Inlet underwent treatment in March 2019 and continues to live a normal life. Her lung cancer treatment saw her complete 44 rounds of medication until the side effects overshadowed the benefits. She took a break, has been in good health for the past two years, and credits Gamma Knife for her remarkable recovery. “I think it’s a wonderful thing,” she said.
In addition to treating metastatic brain cancer, the Gamma Knife can also treat conditions such as meningioma, glioblastoma, trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
The MUSC Hollings Cancer Center continues to lead in delivering cutting-edge and minimally invasive treatment options for patients across South Carolina and beyond. With Gamma Knife technology, they continue their mission to improve the lives of individuals with brain metastases and abnormalities.
