20,000th LGK treatment at La Timone, France
Record number of patients receive brain surgery without scalpel or incision
On October 25, dignitaries, scientists and patients gathered at University Hospital La Timone in Marseilles, France to celebrate its milestone achievement of 20,000th patients treated using their Leksell Gamma Knife® radiosurgery system since 1998.
Since starting its radiosurgery program, the hospital has used five Gamma Knife versions and today employs a Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ system as well as the most advanced model, Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™.
The hospital’s radiosurgery team and Professor Jean Régis, MD, a neurosurgeon and program director for La Timone’s Gamma Knife program, are pioneers in Leksell Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Their thousands of patients might be more likely to call them saviors.
Gamma Knife is a non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery instrument that involves no scalpel or incision. Instead, Gamma Knife delivers up to 192 precisely focused rays of radiation to control malignant and benign tumors, as well as vascular and functional disorders in the brain, without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
Speaking at a symposium to celebrate the milestone, Professor Régis said: “This celebration gives us the opportunity to recognize those who have actively supported and contributed to Gamma Knife’s technological revolution, and to acknowledge the international collaboration, exchange of information and ideas, through education and training activities. It is also an occasion to salute every patient who has individually benefitted from the advantages of Gamma Knife radiosurgery.”
The event preceded the 13th International Brain Tumor Awareness Week: October 26 to November 2, 2019. Organized by the International Brain Tumor Alliance, the week encourages activities that draw attention to the particular challenges of a brain tumor and the need for an increased research effort.
