Treatment for Brain Tumors and Central Nervous System Conditions Can Begin at Home

By Andrew Elson, M.D.

Painless, noninvasive, nonsurgical, outpatient. These words are rarely used when discussing treatment options for brain tumors and central nervous system conditions. However, these terms perfectly describe the Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™. The Gamma Knife Icon is the world’s most precise and noninvasive treatment device and it can now be accessed by contacting me or one of my colleagues at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington, LA. With nearly 80,000 new cases of primary brain tumors expected to be diagnosed this year, including glioblastoma the disease for which Sen. John McCain is currently being treated, the Gamma Knife Icon is a game changer for those suffering with cancerous, benign and metastatic brain tumors as well as central nervous system conditions. Most of the time, in just one treatment, this technology can greatly enhance quality of life for those who, in the past, had few options. Aside from this unmatched technology, the beauty of this is that you can start this conversation locally – either with one of our radiation oncologists or your own physician to see if Gamma Knife Icon is right for you. Those seeking treatment are seen by local doctors in Covington for all necessary imaging and pretreatment care. The treatment, which is typically administered in one visit, is provided at Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge. The Gamma Knife Icon is noninvasive with no incision, pain, lengthy recovery time or hospital stay. Gamma Knife Icon radiosurgery is a potential treatment option for the following conditions:

• Metastatic brain tumors and lesions arising from primary tumors of the breast, uterus, kidney, colon, skin (melanoma) or other organs
• Brain tumors, malignant and benign
• Acoustic neuromas, non-cancerous tumors of the nerve connecting the brain to the ear
• Trigeminal neuralgia and other neurological disorders
• Vascular malformations

For more information on how you can start the conversation with us about Gamma Knife Icon, please visit marybird.org/brain.