Brain Metastases (Cancer that Has Spread to the Brain)
Brain metastasis is the most common indication for Gamma Knife radiosurgery. radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors may be used in conjunction with other therapies including conventional open skull surgery and whole brain radiation therapy depending on the size, location and number of tumors. The best tumor size for Gamma Knife treatment is less than three centimeters (about one inch) and more than one tumor can be treated during a single Gamma Knife session. Gamma Knife treatment has resulted in tumor control (elimination of further growth, tumor shrinkage or obliteration) in about 90 percent of cases. Patients should ask their doctor about possible side effects of treatment as they relate to the specific type and location of their tumor. Since there is a small risk for recurrence at previously treated sites and the possibility of developing new metastasis after treatment, progress is monitored with MRI scans every three months.
Metastatic Brain Tumor Links
Links to information about tumors metastatic to the brain or spine. For more information about how you can contribute to the cure for brain tumors click here. Also see information on stereotactic radiosurgery which is of particular interest with respect to brain metastases: