Our Technology at Illinois Gamma Knife Center at Alexian Neurosciences Institute  

What is Gamma Knife®?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery used only for the brain. This means that the "blades" of the Gamma Knife are beams of radiation that are precisely focused on a tumor, blood vessel, or nerve to destroy only the cancer cells or lesion while leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged. The Gamma Knife's powerful radiation disrupts the ability of tumor cells to reproduce. In the case of fast growing tumors, results may be seen more quickly than in tumors that are slower to reproduce.

In order to determine the location in the brain to target, an MRI, CT scan, angiogram, or combination of these imaging procedures are done prior to the procedure. The Gamma Knife computer analyzes the many images and a qualified, expert treatment team comprised of a neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, and medical physicist determine the dose of radiation and exact location to receive the treatment. Because the Gamma Knife uses radiation that penetrates the skull, there is no need for a surgical incision to open the skull. This eliminates surgical risks such as bleeding, infection, and injury to adjacent areas of the brain.

Specialists at the Illinois Gamma Knife Center use the Leksell Gamma Knife 4C, the most advanced model in Illinois. Gamma Knife technology is the gold standard in stereotactic radiosurgery of the brain. The Gamma Knife 4C unit uses an automated positioning system (APS), robotic technology that moves the head to the correct position according to the prescribed treatment plan. This allows for safer and faster delivery of treatment.

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Advantages of Gamma Knife

Because Gamma Knife surgery is non-invasive, it offers many advantages over open cranial surgery. These include:

• Reduced risk of bleeding and infection because there is no surgical incision
• One day surgery - most people can return home the same day
• Short recovery - most people quickly return to daily activities 
• Treatment for hard-to-reach tumors - allows for the treatment of tumors or areas of the brain that are otherwise inoperable
• Fewer limitations for some patients - provides an option for treating high-risk patients who, due to illness or advanced age, cannot undergo an open cranial operation
• Prevent tumor re-growth - may be used before or after traditional neurosurgery to further decrease the likelihood of tumor re-growth

Gamma Knife® is a registered trademark of Elekta Inc.