Brain Tumors

Gamma Knife
The Saint Vincent Cancer Care Center is one of only 93 facilities in the United States to offer the Leksell® Gamma Knife, revolutionary technology used to treat brain abnormalities without a single incision. The Gamma Knife is not a knife at all. It focuses the radioactive energy of 201 cobalt-60 sources on very precise targets in the brain. When these low density beams of radiation converge on a brain tumor, they slow the target’s growth and destroy the targeted cells.

A Gamma Knife treatment is usually accomplished within a single session and, depending on the complexity of the treatment plan, the actual procedure can last anywhere from 30-120 minutes. Also, as a minimally invasive procedure, the use of the Gamma Knife virtually eliminates the need for anesthesia, therefore reducing the side effects that are usually associated with conventional brain surgery. Perhaps most incredible of all, patients can usually resume normal activities within 24-48 hours after the procedure.

Tumors Treated

Benign Tumors

• Acoustic neuromas
• Meningiomas
• Pituitary tumors
• Hemangioblastomas
• Chordomas and pineal tumors

Malignant Tumors

• Metastases
• Glial tumors
• Ocular melanomas

In the past, area candidates for Gamma Knife surgery had to travel to Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo for treatment. Today, Saint Vincent,
a leader in stereotactic radiosurgery, is the only site in northwestern Pennsylvania with this advanced technology.

The Gamma Knife focuses the radioactive energy of 201 cobalt-60 sources on a target in the brain.

The Procedure
First, a frame is attached to the patient’s head to ensure that the head remains in a fixed position. Patients are then given a short
series of advanced diagnostic procedures that determine the precise location of the target within the brain. The tests may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans or other diagnostic imaging techniques. Once completed, the 3-D radiological images enable the treatment team to formulate the best radiation dosage and treatment time. A special helmet is used in conjunction with the frame to pinpoint the radiation beams on the tumor. The radiation delivery is painless and usually lasts from 30-120 minutes. During that entire period, patients remain in constant voice and visual contact with the treatment team. Again, no general anesthesia is necessary.

After treatment, the helmet and frame are removed and the patient is returned to his/her room. Typically patients are discharged the same day, however, some patients remain overnight for observation. In most cases, patients can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours of the Gamma Knife procedure.

Gamma Knife Patient Benefits:

• No incision
• No need for general anesthesia
• Treatment duration is only 30-120 minutes
• Normal activities can resume within 24-48 hours

For More Information
Physicians: To refer a patient, contact Drs. Muccio and Diefenbach directly at 814/452-7809.
Patients: To learn more, talk to your family physician or call Saint Vincent Ask-A-Nurse at 814/452-5500 or 800/326-8080.