Pediatric Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery

What is pediatric Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery therapy?

Gamma Knife^® stereotactic radiosurgery is actually a form of radiation therapy – not surgery. Despite the Gamma Knife name, doctors don’t use a knife. Instead, during Gamma Knife treatment, a computer-programmable device delivers hundreds of precisely focused gamma rays (radiation beams) to the brain and spinal cord.

These rays target tumor cells and gradually shrink tumors until they go away. We also use this therapy to treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), a condition where abnormal blood vessels in the brain can bleed causing damage or death. Gamma Knife procedures target these vessels, so they close up over time, preventing future problems.

We’re able to accomplish all of this without opening up a child’s skull and physically touching the brain.

This approach allows us to target problems like brain tumors without injuring nearby areas. Children recover faster and return to their on-the-go lives quickly.

Our doctors are leading the way in pediatric Gamma Knife radiosurgery. One way we’re doing this is through increasing patient comfort by sometimes using a face mask instead of the traditional metal frame to keep children still during the procedure.

When appropriate, we spread out the radiation dose over a series of days to further minimize damage to surrounding tissue. This approach is a new way to use Gamma Knife, and we’re among the first to offer it for children.

What are the benefits of pediatric Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery?

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a less invasive way to treat certain brain conditions, like tumors. Doctors do not have to remove a piece of the skull and expose the brain. Gamma Knife is one form of stereotactic radiosurgery, delivering over 200 targeted beams of radiation through the skull to a treatment site. The beams precisely hit a defined area of the brain. With this approach, we are able to protect a larger area of healthy brain tissue from damaging radiation.

Children who undergo Gamma Knife radiosurgery also benefit from:

• Fast recovery -  Children go home the same day.
• No surgical incision - There’s little, if any, risk of infection. The procedure is relatively painless.
• Quick return to activities - Most children can resume all activities within 24 hours.

What are the side effects of pediatric Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery?

There are far fewer side effects and risks of radiosurgery because it does not involve surgically opening up the skull and exposing the brain. Some will experience mild headaches, fatigue and tingling sensations on the scalp.

With any type of radiation, there is the potential for rare, late side effects:

• Radiation necrosis, damage to surrounding brain tissue that can cause neurologic deficits, seizures and headaches
• Cyst formation

What are Children's Health's outcome metrics for pediatric Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery?

Our doctors have decades of experience using stereotactic radiosurgery on all parts of a child’s body, not just the brain. We put our years of knowledge to work when customizing a treatment plan that helps your child.

We have had great success using Gamma Knife on children of all ages, even infants younger than 1 years old.

Our successes includes:

• A greater than 90% success rate using a single session of Gamma Knife to treat certain AVMs in children.
• Ability to use radiosurgery to treat some large AVMs that other centers consider untreatable.

What questions should I ask my provider about pediatric Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery?

While a Gamma Knife procedure has fewer risks than traditional surgery, it is still important to ask questions to help you understand the treatment and why your child needs it. We want you to feel confident when making this treatment decision for your child.

Some questions to ask your child’s doctor include:

• How many Gamma Knife procedures have you performed for my child’s specific condition?
• What were the procedure outcomes?
• What outcome should I expect for my child?
• Are there other treatment options for my child’s condition?
• How soon will I be able to see my child after treatment?
• How soon after treatment can my child go home?
• What should I expect during my child’s recovery?
• What signs of complications should I look out for?