Understanding the potential of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for treating brain tumours

Brain tumours are uncontrolled growths of abnormal cells within the skull. These tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). In India, brain tumours account for 8-12 per cent of all childhood cancers, compared to a higher percentage in developed nations. This disparity might be due to factors like underdiagnosis, limited access to healthcare, and variations in reporting. This significantly impacts a patient’s life, their ability to work, and perform daily activities. Addressing these challenges requires improved diagnosis, better access to medical care, and increased awareness to ensure timely and effective treatment for all patients.

Symptoms and Impact:

Brain tumours can disrupt the brain’s normal functions, resulting in various symptoms that vary based on the tumour’s size and location. Common symptoms include severe and persistent headaches, seizures, difficulties with balance, coordination, or walking, vision problems, speech difficulties, memory problems, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, and nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and require prompt medical attention for diagnosis and management.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the successful treatment of brain tumours. Diagnosis typically entails a series of tests, including a neurological examination to evaluate the patient’s nervous system function. Imaging tests such as MRI scans and CT scans are often conducted to visualise the tumour and assess its characteristics. Additionally, a biopsy may be performed, involving the extraction of a small tissue sample from the tumour for microscopic examination to determine its type and inform treatment decisions. These diagnostic measures enable healthcare professionals to diagnose brain tumours promptly and accurately, facilitating timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Treatment options for brain tumours depend on various factors like the type, grade (aggressiveness), and location of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment modalities include:

Surgery: This is the most common treatment for malignant brain tumours. The surgeon aims to remove as much of the tumour as possible while minimising damage to healthy brain tissue.

Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. Radiation therapy can be delivered in various ways, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: A Cutting-Edge Approach:

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) that delivers a precise, high dose of radiation to a small, well-defined area of the brain.[1] Unlike traditional EBRT, which uses multiple beams of radiation from an external source, GKRS utilises hundreds of finely focused multiple X rays converge on the target. This minimises the radiation exposure to healthy surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of side effects.

Benefits of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery:

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) offers several advantages as a treatment option for brain tumours. Firstly, it is non-invasive, making it a painless outpatient procedure that does not necessitate surgical incisions. Moreover, it is notably precise, as the high degree of accuracy reduces the risk of harming healthy brain tissue. GKRS has demonstrated effectiveness, capable of being a curative treatment for certain brain tumours while also controlling the growth of others. Additionally, its minimal recovery time is appealing, with most patients experiencing few side effects and being able to resume their regular activities within a few days post-treatment.

Is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Right for You?

The suitability of GKRS depends on various factors like the size, location, and type of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. An experienced neuro-oncologist can assess whether GKRS is the best treatment option for a particular case.

The future of Gamma Knife radiosurgery in India:

GKRS is a relatively new technology in India, but its use is growing as more hospitals acquire the necessary equipment and expertise. With its potential for effective and minimally invasive treatment, GKRS offers a promising future for brain tumour patients in India.

Brain tumours can be devastating, but there is hope. Early diagnosis and advancements in treatment options like Gamma Knife radiosurgery are improving patient outcomes and quality of life. As access to advanced technologies like GKRS increases in India, more brain tumour patients will have the opportunity to benefit from this precise and effective treatment modality.