A new targeted therapy for treating aggressive brain tumors has been used for the first time in Iowa by UnityPoint Health — John Stoddard Cancer Center. GammaTile Therapy is designed to delay tumor regrowth and preserve healthy tissue by targeting the radiation in the areas where tumor recurrence is most likely. “GammaTile therapy involves implanting postage stamp-sized tiles embedded with radiation sources into the brain during the final minutes of tumor removal surgery. The radiation immediately begins targeting tumor cells in the area where the tumor is most likely to recur,” Dr. Scott Seaman, neurosurgeon with the Iowa Clinic, said in a prepared statement. “Over time and after the radiation has been delivered, the tile naturally reabsorbs. GammaTile Therapy is shown to improve local tumor control, which can extend a patient’s life.” The treatment is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration and reduces the need for traditional radiation treatments following tumor removal, a news release said. The targeted treatment can also help patients avoid common side effects such as hair loss. The treatment is available for patients with newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors and recurrent tumors. Aggressive brain tumors affect more than 200,000 people annually in the U.S., the release said.
Pictured above is a GammaTile, which is about the size of a postage stamp and will deliver targeted radiation to treat aggressive brain tumors. Photo courtesy UnityPoint Health