What is GammaTile Therapy?
GammaTile Therapy is a Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT) for operable brain tumors that provides immediate radiation treatment after tumor removal. This FDA-cleared treatment is designed to delay tumor regrowth while preserving healthy brain tissue, offering new hope to patients facing aggressive brain tumors.
How does GammaTile Therapy work?
The neurosurgeon places the GammaTile(s) precisely where and when the treatment will help the most – at the tumor site immediately after tumor removal. Like other radiation therapies, GammaTile Therapy works by disrupting the tumor cell replication process. Radiation damanges the tumor cell DNA, so the cell is unable to replicate and eventually dies. The collagen tile keeps the radiation sources in place while the radiation is being released. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the collagen tile.
What are the risks and side effects of GammaTile Therapy?
Compared to other radiation treatments, GammaTile Therapy side effects are typically fewer, depending on the radiosensitivity of the exposed tissue, amount of radiation delivered, and the placement of GammaTile(s).
Because GammaTile is placed during tumor removal surgery, the possible complications of neurosurgery may also apply, which may include:
- Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- Infection
- Delayed hemorrhage
- Seizures
- Adhesion formation