The Gamma Knife and CyberKnife are two different technologies used to deliver stereotactic radiosurgery, a type of treatment that uses precise beams of radiation to destroy tumors of the brain, head, and neck, and to treat other neurological disorders.
At The Valley Hospital Gamma Knife Center, we are frequently asked: What is the difference between the two and why has Valley chosen to acquire the Gamma Knife instead of the CyberKnife?
The answer lies in considering the areas of focus for which we are using the Gamma Knife: specifically the brain and other parts of the head and neck. Although both technologies are state-of-the-art, the Gamma Knife is considered the “gold standard” all over the world for treating cancer and non-malignant tumors and illnesses of the brain. Over the past 40 years -- during which time Gamma Knife technology has been refined and repeatedly improved – more than 600,000 people all over the world have undergone Gamma Knife treatment. Its success has been documented in 3,000 peer-reviewed articles in medical journals, which have demonstrated the Gamma Knife’s effectiveness, safety, and benefits to patients.
Our Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion™ system, the latest generation Gamma Knife and the most advanced on the market today, offers patients these benefits:
Here are a few other important reasons why we have invested in the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion™ system, the latest generation Gamma Knife and the most advanced available today, rather than a CyberKnife:
Specifically treats cancer and other diseases of the brain, head, and neck.
Not specific to brain tumors.
Incorporates 3-D information from MRIs and CTs to provide precise treatment.
Less accurate because positioning of the head is optically guided.
192 beams of radiation converge at the treatment site.
Multiple beams deliver treatment.
Treatment is completed during one session. Multiple sites can be treated on the same day.
Treatment may be delivered over several daily sessions.
Treatment target is confirmed 10 times per once every 10 seconds.
Treatment target is confirmed once every 10 seconds.
Of course, our Gamma Knife technology is only as good as the radiation oncology team who uses it. And we have the best. Our team has used the Gamma Knife for more than 10 years to treat patients who come to us from all over the metropolitan New Jersey-New York area. Simply stated, the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion is the “fastest, most accurate technology on Earth for treating brain tumors and multiple metastases,” says Gamma Knife Center Co-Director Anthony D’Ambrosio, M.D.
In addition to our state-of-the-art Gamma Knife technology, the Radiation Oncology Department at The Valley Hospital Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center provides the following modalities for radiation therapy:
QUESTIONS?
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