How is Gamma Knife different from radiation therapy?
Gamma Knife surgery is different from conventional radiation therapy of the brain because the radiation is directed at the target and spares the surrounding normal brain tissue and other structures. It also differs because Gamma Knife requires only a one day treatment, rather than many treatments with smaller doses of radiation over several weeks. In addition, Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be used in conjunction with conventional surgery as a treatment for tumors that cannot be totally excised. It can also be used in some cases where the tumor is inoperable.
