Former President Jimmy Carter recently announced that he has been diagnosed with advanced melanoma. President Carter had elective surgery to remove a small mass on his liver in August, and subsequent tests revealed stage IV melanoma that had spread to his brain.
During his news conference, President Carter spoke openly about his cancer treatment, including a type of radiation therapy known as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the cancer that has metastasized to his brain.
While we he did not reveal the technology his doctors will use to administer SRS, we know that gamma knife provides advanced treatment for brain metastases similar to those President Carter has been diagnosed with.
A form of SRS, gamma knife treatment uses precise beams of radiation to attack brain metastases without surgery or whole brain radiation. These beams have little effect on brain tissue but deliver a lethal dose of radiation to the tumors. Gamma knife is a noninvasive, outpatient treatment option.
For more information on how Valley’s Gamma Knife Center treats brain metastases or to schedule a consultation, call our Nurse Navigator at 201-634-5677 or contact us.
