GAMMA KNIFE ESPRIT : The Future is Here!
Success of any technology should be measured with the number of lives touched and transformed. This statement is true for gamma knife esprit! Brain tumours are highly aggressive and life-threatening, with a global survival rate that ranks third among cancers and typically does not exceed five years. These tumours can be classified as primary, originating within the brain, or secondary, spreading from cancers in other parts of the body. Rapid growth of cancerous cells can create pressure on brain tissues and quickly invade and damage them. Because different parts of the brain vary in activity, tumours in less active regions may cause delayed symptoms, while those in more active areas present clear symptoms sooner. Early detection of tumours in active regions allows for timely treatment before they become more aggressive.
Gamma Knife Esprit is the latest generation of the Gamma Knife radiosurgery system, specifically designed for treating brain tumours, vascular malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, and other brain disorders. Despite its name, the Gamma Knife Esprit is not a traditional knife; it is a highly precise form of radiation therapy that focuses beams of gamma radiation to target abnormalities in the brain without the need for an actual incision. Take a quick read to understand the future!
How does Gamma Knife Esprit work?
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a specialised form of radiotherapy, also known as stereotactic radiosurgery. Despite the name, Gamma Knife treatment does not involve any incisions or a physical knife. Instead, it uses highly focused beams of gamma rays to target specific areas of abnormal tissue, such as a lesion or tumour, most commonly in the brain. The procedure delivers a concentrated dose of radiation precisely to the affected area, without the need for cutting into the body.
The reason it is called “surgery” is because the outcome is similar to that of traditional surgery—removing or reducing the size of a lesion or tumour. However, instead of a scalpel, Gamma Knife radiosurgery uses radiation beams that converge at a precise point to destroy abnormal cells, preventing them from growing and causing the targeted lesion or tumour to shrink over time. This targeted approach allows for effective treatment of the diseased area while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is particularly useful for treating conditions in the brain, including both benign and malignant tumours, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trigeminal neuralgia, and certain movement disorders. It offers a non-invasive alternative to conventional surgery, minimising risks such as infection and long recovery times, making it a valuable option for patients who cannot undergo traditional surgery due to age, health conditions, or the location of the abnormality.
Here are some general steps followed while planning a treatment for you!
Head Frame lPlacement: To prevent any movement during treatment, a specialized, box-shaped head frame is securely attached to the patient’s head. This frame is fastened to the skull using small pins, ensuring complete stability. The head frame also serves as a crucial guide, allowing the gamma ray beams to be accurately focused on the lesion.
Imaging for Tumor or Lesion Localization: With the head frame in place, the exact location of the lesion is identified using advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs. A CT scan involves a series of X-ray images combined by a computer to produce detailed cross-sectional images. An MRI, on the other hand, uses powerful magnets and computer technology to create detailed images without using X-rays. For blood vessel lesions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), a cerebral angiogram may be needed. This procedure involves injecting a special dye into a large blood vessel and using X-rays to visualize any abnormalities in the blood vessels.
Radiation Dose Planning: Following the imaging, the radiation therapy team, which includes a medical physicist, develops a customised treatment plan. The data from the CT scan, MRI, or angiogram is analysed to determine the most effective dose of radiation and its precise delivery path. This careful planning ensures that the radiation targets the lesion while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Radiation Treatment: Once the planning is complete, the patient is positioned, and a helmet with hundreds of small holes is placed over the head frame. These holes are essential for directing the focused radiation beams precisely to the target. The actual treatment can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the size, type, and location of the lesion being treated. In most cases, only a single session is needed to achieve the desired outcome.
Precise planning will reduce the number of visits, providing patients complete support and care during the journey. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand your treatment plan better!
Why do you need Gamma Knife Esprit?
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option primarily used for managing various conditions in the brain. This advanced technique is especially beneficial for:
Small and Medium-Sized Tumours and Lesions in the Brain: Gamma Knife radiosurgery is ideal for treating small to medium-sized brain tumours, both benign and malignant, without the need for open surgery. The precision of Gamma Knife ensures that radiation is delivered only to the tumour, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition, characterised by severe facial pain due to pressure on the trigeminal nerve, can be debilitating. Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers a non-surgical option that precisely targets the affected nerve, providing relief from pain without the risks and recovery time associated with traditional surgery.
Acoustic Neuroma: An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour that affects the nerves responsible for hearing and balance. Gamma Knife radiosurgery effectively treats these tumours by stopping their growth while preserving nearby nerve function. This approach avoids the potential complications of conventional surgery, such as hearing loss and facial nerve damage.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): AVMs are abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain that disrupt normal blood flow and can lead to serious complications like haemorrhage. Gamma Knife radiosurgery targets the AVM precisely, gradually closing off the abnormal vessels without the need for invasive procedures, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding and neurological damage.
By combining precision, safety, and effectiveness, Gamma Knife radiosurgery provides a highly effective treatment option for a range of brain disorders, offering hope and improved outcomes for many patients.
Cost of Gamma Knife Esprit
Fortis Hospital, Gurugram became the first one to introduce Gamma Knife to India in 2024. The treatment is included in the Ayushman Bharat Scheme by the government of India. India in 2024 became the first South-Asian country to get this technology at affordable range.
Currency average cost of Gamma Knife Esprit is around 5 lakhs excluding some additional expenses. The cost can vary from severity of condition, surgeons and precisions of treatment. It is an advanced technology and is equal to five Gamma Knife machines.
Faq
What are the key advantages of using Gamma Knife Esprit compared to conventional brain surgery?
Gamma Knife Esprit offers significant advantages over conventional brain surgery. It is a non-invasive procedure, eliminating the need for incisions and reducing the risks of infection, bleeding, and lengthy recovery times. The technology provides pinpoint accuracy, delivering focused radiation precisely to the targeted lesion or tumour while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue. This precision minimises side effects and preserves cognitive function. Treatment is typically completed in a single session, offering convenience and reducing hospital visits. Additionally, Gamma Knife Esprit is highly effective for treating hard-to-reach or inoperable areas, making it an ideal option for patients unsuitable for open surgery.
What is the typical preparation process for a patient undergoing treatment with Gamma Knife Esprit?
The preparation process for Gamma Knife Esprit treatment begins with securing a head frame to the patient’s skull to prevent any movement during the procedure. Once the frame is in place, imaging techniques like MRI, CT scans, or cerebral angiograms are used to precisely locate the tumour or lesion. These images help the medical team develop a detailed, personalised radiation plan. The patient may receive mild sedation to ensure comfort during frame placement and imaging. After the plan is finalised, the patient is positioned, and a helmet with multiple holes is fitted over the head frame to guide the radiation beams accurately.
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with Gamma Knife Esprit treatment?
While Gamma Knife Esprit treatment is generally safe and non-invasive, there are some potential side effects and risks. Common short-term effects include mild headaches, nausea, or fatigue following the procedure. Some patients may experience localised swelling or mild discomfort at the pin sites where the head frame is attached. Rarely, radiation can cause temporary hair loss or skin irritation in the treated area. In rare cases, there could be delayed effects like radiation necrosis, which involves tissue damage near the treated lesion. However, the precision of Gamma Knife Esprit significantly reduces the likelihood of serious complications compared to traditional surgery.
Who are the ideal candidates for Gamma Knife Esprit treatment, and who might not be suitable for this type of radiosurgery?
Ideal candidates for Gamma Knife Esprit treatment include patients with small to medium-sized brain tumours, vascular malformations like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), acoustic neuromas, or trigeminal neuralgia, especially those located in hard-to-reach or sensitive brain areas. It is suitable for patients who cannot undergo conventional surgery due to age, medical conditions, or tumour location. However, it may not be suitable for those with large tumours requiring open surgery, multiple lesions that need whole-brain radiation, or conditions where rapid mass effect relief is necessary. Patients with certain medical implants may also not be eligible due to the use of strong magnetic fields.
How does Gamma Knife Esprit deliver radiation to treat brain tumours and other brain disorders?
Gamma Knife Esprit delivers radiation to treat brain tumours and other disorders by using multiple highly focused beams of gamma rays that converge precisely at a target within the brain. The system utilises 192 cobalt-60 sources that direct these beams through a specialised helmet with holes, allowing for sub-millimeter accuracy. The convergence of beams delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumour or lesion, effectively damaging abnormal cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This focused approach enables the treatment of complex brain conditions, such as tumours and vascular malformations, with minimal side effects and without the need for surgical incisions.
