GammaTile Brachytherapy

A Targeted Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors

GammaTile is an innovative form of radiation therapy that delivers treatment directly to the area where a brain tumor has been removed. Implanted during surgery, GammaTile provides immediate, localized radiation to help reduce the risk of tumor recurrence while minimizing exposure to healthy brain tissue. 

At Columbia Neurosurgery, GammaTile is offered by brain tumor specialists Brian J.A. Gill, MD and Michael B. Sisti, MD as part of a multidisciplinary approach to brain tumor care. Working closely with experts in radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, neuroradiology, and neuropathology, our team develops personalized treatment plans designed to maximize tumor control while preserving quality of life.

 

What Is GammaTile? 

GammaTile is a form of brachytherapy, a type of radiation treatment delivered from inside the body rather than from an external machine. It consists of small collagen tiles, approximately the size of a postage stamp, that contain tiny radioactive seeds made of cesium-131 (Cs-131). These tiles are placed along the walls of the surgical cavity immediately after a tumor is removed. 

The tiles gradually dissolve over time and do not need to be removed. Because cesium-131 has a short half-life, most of the radiation dose is delivered during the first month after surgery, when the risk of tumor regrowth is highest. 

 

Benefits of GammaTile 

Potential advantages of GammaTile include: 

  • Radiation begins immediately after tumor removal 
  • Highly targeted treatment to the surgical cavity 
  • Reduced impact on surrounding healthy tissue 
  • Eliminates concerns about cavity shrinkage before treatment 
  • Convenient option for patients who may have difficulty returning for additional radiation appointments 
  • Seamless integration into planned tumor surgery 

 

GammaTile vs. Traditional Post-Operative Radiation 

Traditional radiation approaches, such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), are typically delivered days or weeks after surgery. By that time, the surgical cavity may have changed shape or size. 

GammaTile provides several unique advantages: 

GammaTile 

Traditional SRS 

Begins immediately during surgery 

Begins weeks after surgery 

No additional procedure required 

Requires separate treatment visit 

Radiation delivered directly to cavity walls 

Treatment planned after surgical healing 

No concerns about cavity shrinkage before treatment 

Surgical cavity may shift before treatment 

 

For patients who are already undergoing surgery, GammaTile offers the opportunity to begin targeted radiation treatment immediately, without the delays associated with scheduling a separate post-operative procedure.

When is GammaTile Brachytherapy performed?

GammaTile may be considered for patients undergoing surgery for: 

Glioblastoma and High-Grade Gliomas 

GammaTile may be used as part of the surgical strategy for newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors. 

Recurrent Brain Tumors 

GammaTile can be particularly valuable for patients whose tumors have returned after prior treatment, especially when the surrounding brain has already received radiation. 

Brain Metastases 

For some patients undergoing surgical removal of a metastatic brain tumor, GammaTile may serve as an alternative to post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). 

Recurrent Meningiomas 

Selected patients with recurrent meningiomas may also be candidates. 

How should I prepare for GammaTile Brachytherapy ?

GammaTile placement is performed as part of a standard brain tumor operation and typically adds only a few minutes to the procedure. 

Before surgery, your neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist work together to determine whether GammaTile is appropriate and estimate the number of tiles needed based on your MRI and treatment goals. 

Once the tumor has been removed, the GammaTile collagen tiles are carefully placed along the walls of the surgical cavity. The incision is then closed normally, and recovery proceeds much like it would after a standard craniotomy. Radiation delivery begins immediately and is substantially complete within the first month after surgery.

 

 

How is GammaTile Brachytherapy performed?

GammaTile placement is performed as part of a standard brain tumor operation and typically adds only a few minutes to the procedure. 

Before surgery, your neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist work together to determine whether GammaTile is appropriate and estimate the number of tiles needed based on your MRI and treatment goals. 

 

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