Zap-X Treatment for Brain Tumours: An Advanced and Cost-Effective Option

Brain tumours are deadly and aggressive! Brain tumours rank 3rd globally in terms of survival rate. These tumours are life threatening with a survival rate of not more than five years. The tumour can be primary, originating from brain tissue or secondary which metastasis from other parts of the body. Mass of cancerous cells may grow rapidly to press the parts of the brain. They can invade the brain to damage the tissue rapidly. Every part of the brain is not highly active, and takes time to respond. Certain lesions which are located in less active parts of the brain show slow symptoms. Tumours in active parts show clear symptoms and can be removed early before they become aggressive. Due to these reasons, brain tumours require a specialised treatment approach.  One of the latest advancements in the field of neurosurgery is the Zap-X treatment, a cutting-edge non-invasive radiosurgery technology. This article will delve into what makes Zap-X a superior option for treating brain tumours and provide insight into the associated costs in India.

Signs and symptoms of brain tumours

Size of the tumour controls the signs and symptoms. Here is a list of signs and symptoms which can make you look for a doctor.

Headaches

• Persistent headaches that may worsen in the morning or with activity.
• New or unusual headaches that do not respond to pain relievers.

Seizures

• Sudden onset of seizures or convulsions, even in individuals with no previous history.
• Different types of seizures can occur, including focal (localised) or generalised seizures.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Unexplained nausea and vomiting, often worse in the morning and not associated with other illnesses.

Visual Problems

• Blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), or loss of peripheral vision.
• Sudden changes in vision or unexplained eye movement.

Hearing Loss

• Gradual or sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or balance problems.

Speech Difficulties

• Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding language (aphasia).

Weakness or Numbness

• Weakness or numbness in one side of the body (hemiparesis) or in specific parts, such as the arms or legs.
• Loss of coordination or difficulty with balance and walking.

Difficulty Swallowing

• Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing food or liquids.

Fatigue

• Unusual or persistent fatigue not relieved by rest or sleep.

Brain tumours can be classified as cancerous and non-cancerous. Cancerous tumours tend to show symptoms quickly whereas non-cancerous tumours are less aggressive and have better prognosis. Till date treatment is bounded by radiotherapy and surgery.

ZAP-X Treatment : Creating a Shift!

Brain surgery is one of the toughest surgical procedures. Our brain has a complex network of neurons. This 3 pound organ holds approximately 86 billion neurons and trillions of connection. Operating the brain is often considered a tedious job. Brain tumours make it even harder for a surgeon to operate. The tumours are often tightly adherent to the other tissues of the brain, making the surgery critical. Traditionally neurosurgery remains the cornerstone of the treatment of care but it comes with its own pros and cons.

Surgical procedures like craniotomy, a procedure in which a portion of the skull is temporarily removed to access the brain. Surgeons then carefully remove as much of the tumour as possible while minimising damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Other traditional methods include stereotactic surgery, which uses a three-dimensional coordinate system to precisely locate and treat the tumour, and microsurgery, which employs high-powered microscopes and specialised tools for greater accuracy. In cases where tumours are not easily accessible or surgery poses high risks, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used either as primary treatments or in conjunction with surgery to shrink tumours or eliminate remaining cancer cells. Although these traditional methods can be highly effective, they often come with significant risks and potential side effects, such as infection, bleeding, neurological deficits, and longer recovery times.

ZAP-X Gyroscopic Stereotactic Radiosurgery of the brain is an advanced surgical procedure especially designed for brain tumours. It is a surgical robot designed for the brain and spine. Unlike traditional methods there is maximum accuracy and least side effects. ZAP-X is a machine which uses radiation and a targeted approach. The approach is simple, it uses image-guided targeting and a compact linear accelerator to deliver high-dose radiation to lesions in the brain and cervical spine. Till now it is considered as the best alternative to invasive surgery. Here is a brief about how ZAP-X works!

Consultation 

This is the first step in ZAP-X treatment to determine the need of the treatment. Visit your neurosurgeon and do a thorough research for ZAP-X treatment costs in India before making a final call. This step is critical and essential to proceed further in this journey.

Identification of lesion 

This process is also known as simulation where your doctor knows the exact size, shape and location of the lesion. To achieve this, a flexible mesh mask will be custom-made to fit you perfectly. After that, CT scans will be performed using IV contrast, similar to a standard diagnostic CT scan. You’ll wear the mesh mask while being positioned in the CT scanner to ensure consistent body alignment for the treatment day.

Planning your treatment 

The Zap X treatment planning team includes a neurosurgeon, a radiation oncologist, and a physicist. They use the CT scan images taken on the simulation day, and MRI images if necessary, to develop a radiation therapy plan. The objective is to deliver a high dose of radiation precisely to the target area while minimising exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue, which is crucial for reducing side effects. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific condition and treatment goals.

The D-Day

On the day of treatment, you will lie on the Zap X treatment table, and your custom-made mask will be used to position you accurately. Radiation therapists are responsible for ensuring correct positioning and delivering the radiation dose as planned. Images are taken during the session to verify that the target area has not shifted. The therapists monitor you from screens in the Zap X suite and communicate with you via intercom throughout the procedure. Treatment sessions vary in duration but are generally brief, often lasting no more than 30 minutes, depending on your specific treatment plan. Most of this time is dedicated to achieving precise positioning. After the session is complete, the radiation therapist will assist you off the table, and you will have the chance to discuss any concerns with the treatment team. Check ZAP X cost in India and get a personalised treatment plan at an affordable price.

 ZAP-X cost in India

In India the cost of any treatment is monitored well because it will take one hospitalisation for many Indians to be bankrupt! Zap-X cost in India treatment can vary based on several factors such as geographical location, the complexity of the tumor, and the healthcare provider’s pricing policy. However, Zap-X is often considered more cost-effective than other stereotactic radiosurgery options like Gamma Knife or CyberKnife due to its simpler infrastructure requirements and reduced overhead costs. ZAP X cost in India is a life saver for millions around the globe!

Since the investment cost of the ZAP-X is less compared to other available treatments, globally it varies from 10,000 to 20,000 USD, this is almost double the ZAP X cost in India. The radiosurgery takes multiple sessions, depending on the number of sessions the total cost of ZAP X varies.

Average ZAP X cost in India per session is 4.9 lakhs. ZAP-X sessions are 30 minutes long and don’t require anaesthesia or hospital admission. The treatment is best for well-defined tumours that are less than 3X3X3 cm, tumours deep in the brain, and tumours near important structures.

Faq

What are the advantages of Zap-X treatment compared to traditional brain tumor surgeries?

Zap-X treatment offers significant advantages over traditional brain tumour surgeries, making it a highly appealing option for both patients and healthcare providers. As a completely non-invasive procedure, Zap-X eliminates the need for a craniotomy and the associated risks of open surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and anaesthesia complications. The system provides sub-millimeter precision, targeting tumours accurately while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue, which reduces neurological side effects. Unlike other radiation therapies, Zap-X does not require a specially shielded room due to its self-shielding design, lowering infrastructure costs and making it more accessible for smaller hospitals or outpatient settings.

How does Zap-X differ from other radiosurgery options like Gamma Knife and CyberKnife?

Zap-X differs from other radiosurgery options like Gamma Knife and CyberKnife in several key ways, particularly in its design, technology, and patient experience. Unlike Gamma Knife, which requires a heavy cobalt source and a dedicated radiation-shielded room, Zap-X uses a self-shielded design that eliminates the need for specialized infrastructure, making it more cost-effective and easier to install in a variety of healthcare settings. In contrast to CyberKnife, which involves a linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm, Zap-X features a compact gyroscopic configuration that rotates around the patient, delivering highly focused radiation beams with sub-millimeter precision. This innovative design enhances targeting accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues.

What is the recovery time like after undergoing Zap-X treatment?

The recovery time after undergoing Zap-X treatment is typically very short, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not involve surgical incisions. Most patients can return home the same day of the treatment and resume their normal activities almost immediately. Unlike traditional brain surgeries that may require weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, Zap-X offers a minimally disruptive experience with very few side effects, allowing patients to quickly get back to their daily routines. Some patients may experience mild fatigue or headaches, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

What kind of preparation is required before undergoing Zap-X treatment?

Before undergoing Zap-X treatment, patients need to undergo several preparatory steps to ensure the procedure’s success and safety. First, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted, including a detailed medical history, neurological examination, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.  Patients are also advised to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, a few days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. On the day of the treatment, patients should wear comfortable clothing and may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours prior, depending on specific medical guidelines.

Can Zap-X treatment be combined with other therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy?

Yes, Zap-X treatment can be combined with other therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to enhance overall treatment effectiveness for brain tumors. While Zap-X provides precise, targeted radiation to shrink or eliminate tumors, combining it with chemotherapy or immunotherapy can help address tumor cells that may not be fully eradicated by radiation alone. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body, while immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune response to fight cancer.