Treating patients with benign brain tumors with gamma knife surgery is effective in keeping the tumor under control long term.
In gamma knife radiosurgery, cobalt radiation is delivered very precisely to a brain tumor. Over time the tumor shrinks, and the procedure is less traumatic for the patient than conventional brain surgery.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh now report upon the long term outcome for people treated with the gamma knife. They looked at 285 patients who had a range of benign brain tumors, some of whom had previously been treated with conventional surgery.

After ten years, 81 per cent of the patients were still alive, and 53 per cent of tumors were reduced in size. This shrinkage continued over time for many, from measurement at five, seven and ten years. Normal facial function was maintained in 95 per cent of those treated for acoustic neuroma, a tumor of the acoustic nerve.

The study suggests that gamma knife radiosurgery is safe and effective for benign brain tumors. It can be applied to patients who have residual or recurrent tumors after conventional surgery. It is also very useful for those who are newly diagnosed.