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Why choose the London Gamma Knife Centre?
At the London Gamma Knife Centre we are able to offer patients the latest generation of non-invasive treatment for brain conditions. The Gamma Knife Icon is a precise and accurate way to deliver radiation to even the most complex brain tumours or abnormalities.
This painless treatment, which has many advantages over traditional surgery, does not require a general anaesthetic and involves only a single day outpatient visit. Most patients experience only minimal side effects and return to their normal activities the following day.
As a patient of the centre, you'll benefit from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, ranging from oncologists to neurosurgeons and radiographers, all working together to make sure you receive the best possible care, tailored to your condition. We now have a joint radiosurgery multidisciplinary team between both The Wellington Hospital and our sister hospital, The Harley Street Clinic.
Our purpose-built centre is located at the Platinum Medical Centre in St Johns Wood, part of The Wellington Hospital.
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State of the art technology
At the London Gamma Knife Centre we are able to offer patients the latest generation of non-invasive treatment for brain conditions.
Some of the conditions we treat with the Gamma Knife
Metastatic (or secondary) brain tumours develop when cancerous cells in another part of the body spread to the brain
- Metastases
- Meningioma
- Vestibular schwannoma
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
- Pituitary adenoma
What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery?
The name of this treatment is in fact misleading, it is not a “knife” at all. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a safe, effective and non-invasive procedure using radiation to treat tumours. It can replace conventional surgery combined with radiation, or it can be used in conjunction with it.
Radiation is delivered with precision to the abnormal tissue, within either the head or neck, to tumours, vascular malformations and nerves. With radiosurgery there is very little risk of infection, almost no risk of bleeding and no risk of spinal fluid leakage. As there is no need for invasive surgery, treatment can usually be delivered in a single day with most patients experiencing minimal side effects and returning to their normal activities almost immediately.
The Gamma Knife system was the first ever radiosurgery device and works by damaging the cells so they can no longer grow. It has revolutionised the treatment of certain benign and malignant tumours in and around the brain, replacing the need for surgery in many cases. Unlike conventional radiotherapy, radiosurgery is only directed at the abnormal tissue and so it spares the unnecessary treatment of normal brain tissue nearby.
Why do we choose the Icon™ technology?
Although Gamma Knife treatment has been in use for over 30 years, over the years technology has advanced at tremendous speed so that we can now treat brain tumours with unbeaten precision and accuracy. In order to deliver beams of radiation with submillimetre accuracy, the patient’s head must be held securely to avoid inaccuracy due to movement and here the Icon offers more flexibility than earlier machines.
For earlier Gamma Knife models, a frame is used to prevent head movement during treatment and allow for precise delivery of radiation. The Icon also adds the option of using a standard radiotherapy mask.
Frequently asked questions
The London Gamma Knife Centre FAQs
Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be used to treat a range of health conditions, which include:
- Benign tumours such as vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma and other skull base tumours
- Malignant tumours such as metastatic tumours
- Neurological disorders such as vascular disorders (including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous malformation, dural arteriovenous fistula) and trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain)
- Occasionally Gamma Knife treatment may also be recommended by your doctor for conditions not on this list
If a stereotactic frame is used you will feel some discomfort from the local anaesthetic, and pressure from the pins when tightened. The actual Gamma Knife treatment is painless.
The duration of the treatment can range from 30 minutes to several hours.
The radiation dose plan will make the treatment as safe as possible and most people will experience few, if any side effects. There is a small risk of complications and these will be discussed with you in advance of treatment and are documented in our patient guide.
Results have proven to be superior or comparable to conventional neurosurgery, depending on the specific condition treated.
Generally, the effects of Gamma Knife radiosurgery take place over many months, or even years and this is the reason for an annual review. Some lesions shrink gradually and eventually disappear while others simply experience no further tumour growth. In a few cases when patients are being treated for Trigeminal Neuralgia, some relief may occur shortly after treatment, although often it requires weeks for pain relief to occur.
In the past 30 years there have been sporadic reports of radiosurgery causing new tumours elsewhere in the head, and on very rare occasions cancerous change in a treated tumour has been reported. Speak to your consultant about this if you are worried. Based on the existing experience with radiation the incidence of malignant change is very small.
As soon as you feel well enough. There is no reason why you should not go back to work the following day.
How we work with doctors
Meet our team
Our medical centre is supported by the expertise of leading consultants and multidisciplinary teams. Our teams are able to identify and diagnose complex conditions quickly and with accuracy.
See a consultant
Book an appointment
Our team can help if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment. Our reception team are also on-hand if you'd like to make an appointment whilst your at the centre.