A head STaRT in the battle against brain tumors
Neuroscience Group surgeons are the first in Wisconsin to offer this radiation treatment designed specifically for use inside the brain. Gamma Tile Therapy gives patients new hope in the fight against brain tumors.
What is GammaTile Therapy?
GammaTile Therapy is a safe and effective, Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT) for patients with brain tumors. It consists of a bioresorbable, flexible collagen tile that is placed within the brain immediately after a tumor is removed. GammaTile begins targeting tumor cells immediately. There is no need to wait for wound healing before starting radiation treatment.
Who benefits from GammaTile Therapy?
GammaTile is only recommended for patients who will have their tumor surgically removed and who will need radiation. Patients with the following tumors could be candidates for GammaTile Therapy:
– Recurrent Glioblastomas
– Meningiomas
– Brain metastases
Benefits of GammaTile Therapy?
Targets tumor cells immediately
GammaTile begins targeting tumor cells immediately. There is no need to wait for wound healing before starting radiation treatment. Eliminates the need to drive to a radiation center, put on the radiation mask, or pay co-pay for daily radiation treatments.
Compatible with other treatments
GammaTile can be combined with other systemic therapies, like chemotherapy, tumor treating fields, and more.
Better for you
GammaTile is designed to protect healthy brain tissue, limiting the side effects of radiation. In a clinical study, only 1 of 74 patients experienced new hair loss during the radiation treatment.
Targeted radiation
Radiation is focused right where it’s needed and is delivered consistently.
Treatment to your schedule
There is no need for an extra hospital stay or to travel for additional, ongoing radiation treatments. Treatment happens as you go about your daily life.
How does GammaTile Therapy work?
Placement
Once the surgeon removes the tumor, the GammaTile is placed in the brain.
Fights tumor growth
Like other radiation therapies, GammaTile Therapy works by disrupting the tumor cell replication process. Radiation damages the tumor cell DNA, so the tumor cell is unable to replicate and eventually dies.
Radiation Delivery
The collagen tile keeps the sources in place while the radiation is released. 90% of the dose is delivered consistently over the first month. After 100 days, the tiles are considered free of radiation.
Disposal
Over time, the body naturally absorbs the collagen tile. The small sources remain in the brain and do not need to be removed.
Meet the surgeons who are currently using this new technology:
Philip A. Yazbak, MD, FAANS, FACS
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Yazbak is a neurosurgeon who focuses on the treatment of illnesses involving the brain, spine and peripheral nerves.
Alexander T. Hawkins, MD
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Hawkins is a general neurosurgeon with extensive expertise in surgical and nonsurgical treatment of brain and spinal cord disorders