Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Glioma & Astrocytoma
Doctors at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center may use Gamma Knife radiosurgery to manage low-grade and high-grade glioma tumors or as an alternative to craniotomy in people who are not able to have surgery. After a doctor evaluates your imaging studies, he or she creates a customized treatment plan based on the size and location of the tumor.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a well-established form of stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive treatment for brain tumors, blood vessel malformations, and other neurologic disorders. It does not require a surgical incision to reach the tumor.
Stereotactic radiosurgery uses MRI scans or another form of high-resolution brain imaging to create a three-dimensional image of the targeted area of the brain. This area is then treated with many small beams of radiation, which destroy cancer cells.
The Gamma Knife Icon used by doctors at Perlmutter Cancer Center is the newest, most sophisticated device for stereotactic radiosurgery. It features a flexible delivery system, which enables doctors to administer doses to one or more areas of the brain. Our team of doctors can treat multiple brain lesions during a single session.
Our experts are skilled at using Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a noninvasive treatment for brain tumors.
Because radiosurgery involves delivering precise therapy, a person needs to wear a head frame to remain still. Our doctors ensure the frame is as comfortable as possible throughout the treatment.
The procedure does not require an overnight hospital stay. Most people can resume their normal activities the day after treatment.