Leksell Gamma Knife procedure effectively controls metastatic brain tumors

METASTATIC cancers or those that spread to other parts of the body such as the brain account for a large number of cancer deaths.  They usually coincide with a primary cancer and originate from the lung, breast, colon, kidney, prostrate and pancreas areas.

Dr. Edilberto Joaquin Fragante, head of the Radiation Oncology section of  Cardinal Santos Medical Center and a member of the Philippine Gamma Knife Center, says that cancer does not confine itself to one corner.

“Tumors spread through the bloodstream or lymph nodes.  In fact, most of the treatments we've done at the PhilGamma Center involved metastatic cancers,” he says.

The PhilGamma Center has already treated thousands of patients who suffer from brain tumors and other similar malformations by using the non-surgical Leksell Gamma Knife treatment.

The procedure involves focusing a dose of radiation to the area on the brain to stop or reduce its growth.  Radiation beams are delivered through 201 cross-firing portals surrounding the patient's head. These beams are focused to conform to the size and shape of the target lesion, thus preventing injury to surrounding tissue

Dr. Fragante says metastatic carcinomas are very common in the late stages of cancer.  The Leksell Gamma Knife treatment effectively controls metastatic brain tumors.  In fact, studies show that its control rates are very high.

One of the best things about the Leksell Gamma Knife procedure is that it does not involve incisions unlike other treatments.  Patients need not spend days in the hospital for post-treatment, hence, save a lot on hospital bills.

The Leksell Gamma Knife treatment is likewise the best when it comes to treating deep-seated lesions which are hard to access via traditional open surgery.

Skull-based meningiomas, for one, may often recur after operation and conventional surgery may lead to increase cranial nerve dysfunction and other complications. The Leksell Gamma Knife treatment, which is non-invasive, reduces these risks.

For more information on the Leksell Gamma Knife treatment, you may visit the PhilGamma Center at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center compound or call 7259254, 7237575, and 7260776.