Northside offering GammaTile for brain tumors

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute announces the addition of GammaTile^® therapy to its Brain & CNS Tumor Program, a collaborative effort between the hospital’s neurosurgery and radiation oncology services. The innovative treatment is available at Northside’s Atlanta and Forsyth campuses, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with brain tumors. 

GammaTile is an advanced form of brachytherapy designed for both newly diagnosed and recurrent brain tumors. It is most commonly used for glioblastomas, brain metastases and meningiomas. The treatment delivers localized radiation directly to the tumor site, minimizing the side effects typically associated with traditional radiation therapy. GammaTile is implanted during surgery immediately after the tumor is removed, eliminating the need for additional radiation therapy sessions. 

Why this matters: According to the National Brain Tumor Society, approximately 94,000 individuals will be diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2024. While not all brain tumors are malignant, the diagnosis can be life altering and cause significant anxiety for patients and their families. 

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is one of the largest and most respected cancer care providers in the Southeast. The hospital’s multidisciplinary team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized care and the latest treatment options for cancer patients. 

In addition to GammaTile and traditional treatments: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, Northside offers Gamma Knife^â radiation therapy. 

What they’re saying: "GammaTile represents a significant advancement in the treatment of brain tumors," said Dr. Jim Robinson, medical director for the Brain & CNS Tumor Program. "Brachytherapy allows us to deliver radiation from the inside out, making it safer to repeat radiation for patients with recurrent tumors." 

• Radiation oncologist Dr. Isabella Zhang added, "I'm very excited that we can offer GammaTile at Northside. Having both GammaTile and the Gamma Knife Icon gives us a variety of options for our patients, especially those who have previously received radiation." 

Next steps: Patients interested in learning more about GammaTile should consult with their neurosurgeon or radiation oncologist. 

Learn more about the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Brain Tumor Program.