How Gamma Knife is Revolutionizing Brain Tumor Treatment in the Philippines

Last April 5, I received an invitation to attend the Media Launch of the Gamma Knife at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. I was beyond excited, years ago, I had only seen this cutting-edge treatment on cable TV, never imagining that such advanced technology would now be available right here in the Philippines.

Having completed internships in two well-known hospitals in Quezon City, I’ve seen my fair share of medical equipment but nothing compares to the Gamma Knife. This sophisticated device is unique to Cardinal Santos Medical Center, making it a milestone in Philippine healthcare.

A Brief History of the Gamma Knife

The Gamma Knife was invented in 1967 by Neurosurgeon Lars Leksell of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, along with radiobiologist Börje Larsson from Uppsala University, Sweden.

This innovative device delivers 201 focused gamma ray beams to a brain lesion with pinpoint precision, leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. It offers patients a non-invasive option for treating brain tumors, vascular malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, and other conditions that once required open brain surgery.

Understanding the Procedure

Before the procedure, patients are required to fast—no food or even water. The treatment process involves several key steps:

1. Frame Fixation

A stereotactic frame is carefully attached to the patient’s head. Adults receive local anesthesia, while children may require general anesthesia.

2. Neuroimaging

Next, the patient undergoes MRI, CT scan, or cerebral angiography to map the exact location of the tumor.

3. Treatment Planning

Dr. Theodore Vesagas explains, “The goal is to control tumor growth by stopping cell division, not necessarily eliminating it completely. Brain tumors are risky because they can exert pressure on the brain, affecting facial movement or other body functions.”

Using fiducial markers on the frame, the Gamma Knife team localizes the lesion on a state-of-the-art computer workstation. Each plan is customized to the patient’s condition.

4. Actual Treatment

Once the plan is finalized, the patient is placed on the Gamma Knife couch. A collimator helmet containing 201 gamma ray portals is attached to the frame, ensuring precise alignment and preventing any movement. The Gamma Knife has four collimator helmets (sizes 4, 8, 14, and 18 mm) to accommodate tumors of different sizes.

5. Recovery

After treatment, patients are usually observed for a night, but many can return home the same day. Unlike conventional surgery, the Gamma Knife eliminates risks like infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and long hospital stays, allowing patients to resume daily activities quickly.

Cost and Accessibility

The procedure can cost up to ₱550,000, which includes MRI scans, room charges, blood tests, and other medical services. Considering the precision and reduced recovery time, it is a cost-effective alternative to traditional brain surgery.

Success Stories and Local Expertise

Globally, more than 120,000 patients have benefited from Gamma Knife treatments. In the Philippines, over 1,000 patients have successfully undergone the procedure as of January 2011. Studies show that 88% of AVMs smaller than 4 cm are completely resolved within two years, and 90% of acoustic neuromas respond positively to the treatment.

Eighteen Filipino neurosurgeons trained with Elekta AB, the Swedish company behind Gamma Knife technology, bringing world-class expertise to local patients. The Philippine Gamma Knife Center’s team, led by Dr. Vesagas, includes neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, anesthesiologists, and highly trained neurosurgical nurses, averaging 130 cases per year, making them the most experienced team in the country.

For more information, visit Philippine Gamma Knife Center or the Cardinal Santos Medical Center Compound in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

Contact Numbers: +632725-9254, 723-7575, 726-0776, 727-2266, 727-0001 loc. 3505/3506

Fax: +632727-7653

Email: info@gammaknife.com.ph