For Immediate Release October 20, 2003
Contact: Robert Cavanaugh
732-632-1586
New Jersey Neuroscience Institute:
Benefits of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
EDISON, NJ-When one receives a diagnosis of an inaccessible or inoperable
brain tumor, the reaction may be one of despair, but despite that
despair, there is still hope. Gamma knife technology offers that hope.
Developed over 30 years ago in Sweden, Gamma Knife radiosurgery has become a well-accepted standard of care for the non-surgical treatment of brain tumors previously considered inaccessible or inoperable. In addition, other brain lesions and neurological disorders once treated only through open brain surgery can now be treated with this noninvasive procedure and in a single day. Many brain abnormalities considered inoperable now have an alternative treatment.
With pinpoint accuracy, the Gamma Knife focuses 201 beams of radiation at a specific target delivering enough radiation to destroy a tumor or lesion deep within the brain while sparing healthy brain. The beams are focused with such precision that radiation is delivered only to the target, sparing surrounding healthy tissue, blood vessels and nerves. “Gamma Knife technology removes the trauma, risks, and side effects generally associated with open surgery or radiation therapy,” comments Dr. Joseph Landolfi, a neuro-oncologist and Director of the Institute’s Gamma Knife Program at the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute at JFK Medical Center in Edison.
“But Gamma Knife technology does more than simply offer hope to those with brain tumors,” comments Landolfi. “Gamma Knife radiosurgery balances the hope for a positive outcome with the benefits of its unique treatment.”
Gamma Knife surgery has many benefits:
· Noninvasive and nontraumatic treatment. There is no incision
and the treatment is virtually painless.
· Shorter hospitalization. Treatment is brief and usually requires
a single night's hospitalization.
· Faster recovery. The patient can resume normal, pre-surgery
activities within days of the procedure.
· Reduced risks. While the results of Gamma Knife radiosurgery
are comparable to traditional microsurgery, the risks of surgical
complications (e.g., infections, hemorrhaging, and adverse reactions
to anesthesia) are eliminated.
· Less traumatic
Since there is no pain, no anesthesia, no long hospitalization, no
long recovery and no scaring, Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers improved
outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
· Economical
The relatively low cost of the Gamma Knife procedure, shorter hospitalization
period and elimination of cost related to convalescence, rehabilitation
or extended job absence combine to make this a very cost effective
treatment option.
“Gamma Knife is useful when conventional surgical techniques
are too risky, and for patients who are advanced in age or whose medical
condition precludes surgery, among others.” Gamma Knife technology
has successfully been used on patients with brain disorders such as:
· Acoustic neuromas
· Pituitary adenomas
· Neuromas
· Pinealomas
· Craniopharyngiomas
· Meningiomas
· Chordomas
· Chondrosarcomas
· Metastases (cancers that spread to the brain)
· Glial tumors (malignant brain tumors)
· Arteriovenous Malformations
· Trigeminal Neuralgia
“There are an estimated 100,000 to 170,000 new patients with brain metastasis in the United States each year. There was a time when invasive surgery and multiple radiation treatments were the only option for these patients. Gamma Knife technology allows for a safer, effective treatment option without the risks generally associated with open surgery or heavy radiation treatments. For the patient, the increased accuracy, minimized risks, and benefits of Gamma Knife surgery make it an ideal choice,” says Landolfi.
NJNI is the only facility in New Jersey and only one of approximately 55 institutions nationwide that offers Gamma Knife technology.
The New Jersey Neuroscience Institute at JFK Medical Center is a comprehensive facility designed exclusively for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of complex neurological disorders in adults and children. Services offered at the Institute include programs in spine and brain tumors, cancer pain,dizziness and balance disorders, epilepsy, stroke, memory disorders, sleep disorders, neuro-muscular disorders and movement disorders. As a department of Seton Hall University's School of Graduate Medical Education, NJNI serves as the clinical setting for SHU's residency training in neurology. For more information on the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute, call 732-321-7950 or visit the facility online at www.njneuro.org .