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What is Gamma Knife
Gamma Knife is not an actual surgical knife, but a stereotactic radiosurgery system. Its basic principle is to use gamma rays generated by cobalt-60 and, through a precise stereotactic positioning system, accurately focus multiple beams of gamma radiation from different directions onto intracranial lesions. This creates a high-dose radiation focal point that induces radionecrosis of the lesion tissue, achieving an effect similar to surgical resection, while the surrounding normal tissues receive only a low and relatively uniform dose of radiation. Because the boundary between the destroyed lesion and the surrounding normal tissue is as sharp as if cut by a knife, it is termed the "Gamma Knife."
Gamma Knife is primarily used for the treatment of intracranial tumors and vascular malformations. In recent years, its application has expanded to extracranial (body) tumors. Specific indications include:
Intracranial tumors: meningioma, glioma, pituitary adenoma, acoustic neuroma, brain metastases
Cerebrovascular diseases: cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Functional neurological disorders: trigeminal neuralgia
Body tumors: lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, renal cancer, retroperitoneal tumors
1. Non-invasiveness No craniotomy is required, avoiding the trauma and risks associated with conventional surgery, which is particularly important for patients who cannot tolerate surgery.
2. High precision Utilizes three-dimensional stereotactic localization technology, with multiple beams of gamma rays precisely focused on the lesion; deviation between the mechanical center and the irradiation field center is less than 0.5 mm.
3. Excellent preservation of normal tissue Radiation is precisely focused on the target area, with a steep dose fall-off outside the target, resulting in minimal radiation exposure to surrounding normal tissues.
4. Rapid recovery As a non-invasive treatment, recovery is quick and usually does not require prolonged hospitalization.
5. Low complication rate Compared with conventional surgery, the incidence of complications such as infection and bleeding is lower.
6. Good repeatability For recurrent or residual tumors, treatment can be repeated without being limited by previous therapy.
7. Favorable treatment experience The procedure is painless and does not require general anesthesia; patients can remain conscious throughout the treatment.
