Columbia Neurosurgery Now Offering GammaTile Brachytherapy for Brain Tumor Patients

The Columbia Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Center is now offering GammaTile brachytherapy, an innovative radiation treatment that delivers targeted therapy directly to the surgical cavity immediately following brain tumor removal.

GammaTile is a form of surgically targeted radiation therapy (STaRT) designed to begin treating residual microscopic tumor cells at the time of surgery, when the risk of local tumor recurrence is greatest. By delivering radiation from within the surgical cavity, GammaTile allows patients to receive treatment immediately without the need to wait weeks for a separate post-operative radiation procedure.

The technology is available through a multidisciplinary collaboration between Columbia Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, and Neuroradiology.

GammaTile represents another important advancement in our ability to personalize brain tumor treatment," said Brian J.A. Gill, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery. "By delivering radiation directly to the surgical cavity at the time of tumor removal, we're able to begin treatment immediately while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy brain tissue.

GammaTile consists of small, bioresorbable collagen tiles embedded with tiny radioactive cesium-131 seeds. During surgery, the tiles are placed along the walls of the cavity after the tumor has been removed. Because the radiation source is positioned directly where microscopic tumor cells are most likely to remain, treatment begins immediately and is largely completed within the first month after surgery.

Unlike traditional post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), which is typically delivered several weeks after surgery, GammaTile eliminates delays in treatment and avoids challenges associated with changes in the size and shape of the surgical cavity during healing.

The treatment may be appropriate for selected patients undergoing surgery for:

• Newly diagnosed glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas
• Recurrent brain tumors
• Brain metastases
• Selected recurrent meningiomas

The Columbia team carefully evaluates each patient's diagnosis, prior treatments, and overall treatment goals to determine whether GammaTile should be incorporated into their surgical plan.

GammaTile is offered by Columbia Neurosurgery's experienced brain tumor surgeons, Brian J. A. Gill, MD and Michael B. Sisti, MD, who work closely with radiation oncologists to develop individualized treatment plans.

For many patients, GammaTile offers the convenience of beginning radiation treatment immediately following surgery while avoiding an additional procedure during the postoperative recovery period.

Our goal is always to provide patients with the most advanced therapies available while maintaining a personalized approach to care," said Michael B. Sisti, MD. "GammaTile expands the options we can offer patients facing complex brain tumors.

GammaTile was first cleared by the FDA in 2018 for recurrent intracranial tumors and later expanded for use in newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors. It is one of several advanced technologies available through the Columbia Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Center.

Patients interested in learning whether GammaTile may be an appropriate part of their treatment plan are encouraged to speak with their neurosurgeon or request an appointment with the Columbia Brain Tumor Center.