Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT)

Question 1

What is GammaTile Therapy?

Answer

GammaTile is a Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT) for operable brain tumors that provides immediate radiation treatment after tumor removal. Each GammaTile has radiation sources embedded in a collagen tile that deliver a precise dose of radiation focused right where it is needed and away from healthy brain tissue. In a clinical study, this resulted in nearly twice as many tumor-free months compared to the patients’ most recent prior
same-site treatment.[1] Watch this animation to learn how GammaTile targets brain tumors. Hear Dr Clark Chen, the chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota, explain GammaTile Therapy.

Question 2

How does GammaTile Therapy work?

Answer

The neurosurgeon places the GammaTile(s) precisely where treatment will help the most—immediately after tumor removal. Like other radiation therapies, GammaTile Therapy works by disrupting the tumor cell replication process. Radiation damages the tumor cell DNA, so the cell is unable to replicate and eventually dies. The collagen tile keeps the radiation sources in place while the radiation is being released. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the collagen tile. Hear Dr Clark Chen, the chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota, explain how GammaTile Therapy works.

Question 3

Is GammaTile FDA approved?

Answer

GammaTile Therapy is FDA cleared to deliver radiation therapy for patients with newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors and recurrent brain tumors.

Question 4

How is GammaTile Therapy different from other types of radiation therapy used to treat brain tumors?

Answer

The two most common types of radiation therapy used to treat brain tumors are external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy. EBRT
With EBRT, the radiation comes from a machine outside of the body into the tumor area. One of the drawbacks of EBRT is that patients have to wait 2 to 3 weeks before beginning the radiation therapy to allow the surgical incision to heal after tumor removal surgery due to the potential of the radiation interfering with wound healing. Unfortunately, this treatment lapse provides a window for any remaining tumor cells to replicate and grow. In addition, EBRT requires an intense treatment schedule (of typically 15 to 30 sessions, 5 days a week, for 3 to 6 weeks) at a hospital or treatment center. Brachytherapy
With brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, radiation sources are placed within the tumor resection cavity during surgery. While the radiation begins working right away, the dose can be extremely high around the radiation source. This can cause serious side effects, including swelling and damage to healthy brain tissue. GammaTile Therapy
GammaTile Therapy starts targeting any remaining tumor cells immediately upon placement. With GammaTile Therapy, there is no intense treatment schedule, or need for patients and their caregivers to travel to and from a treatment center. Patients receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes, going about their daily life. GammaTile Therapy is different from traditional brachytherapy because the collagen tile provides a buffer around the radiation sources. This buffer allows the patient to receive the optimal dose of radiation to the tumor cells, while the therapy preserves healthy tissue and minimizes complications. GammaTile Therapy gives patients a head start in the fight against brain tumor regrowth while reducing the potential for side effects.

Question 5

Do I have to stay in the hospital longer if I receive GammaTile Therapy?

Answer

No, typically there is no need to extend your hospital stay or to travel for additional, ongoing radiation treatments. Hear Dr Clark Chen, the chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota, explain GammaTile Therapy.

Question 6

Will GammaTile Therapy lengthen my surgery?

Answer

No, GammaTile Therapy placement only takes a few minutes at the end of surgery.[1] Hear Dr Clark Chen the chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota, explain GammaTile Therapy.

Question 7

Does GammaTile Therapy replace chemotherapy?

Hear Dr Clark Chen, the chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota, explain how GammaTile Therapy can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy

Answer

Your treatment team may use GammaTile Therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy, depending on the type of tumor. Talk with your treatment team for guidance about your individual care plan.

Question 8

Will GammaTile Therapy cause hair loss?

Answer

With GammaTile Therapy, radiation does not have to travel from outside of the body through the scalp to reach the tumor cells. Therefore, the likelihood of hair loss is low. In a clinical study on GammaTile Therapy, only 1 out of 74 patients experienced hair loss.[2]

Question 9

If I have had radiation therapy in the brain previously, can I still have GammaTile Therapy?

Answer

In a recent clinical study, all patients treated with GammaTile Therapy had previously had radiation therapy in the brain.[1] However every situation is unique. Together with your care team, your radiation oncologist will review your previous records to determine if GammaTile Therapy might be right for you.

Question 10

How long is the GammaTile radioactive?

Answer

With GammaTile Therapy, 90% of the radiation dose is delivered in 33 days. After 100 days, the GammaTile radiation sources are considered completely free of radiation.

Question 11

Will I need to have surgery to remove the GammaTile(s)?

Answer

No, one of the great things about GammaTile Therapy is that the body naturally absorbs the collagen tile and the small, inactive seeds remain in the body.

Question 12

Can GammaTile Therapy be used for cancers outside of the brain?

Answer

Currently, GammaTile Therapy is only indicated to treat newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors and recurrent brain tumors.

Question 13

Can a patient have GammaTile Therapy more than once?

Answer

Yes, it is possible to receive GammaTile Therapy more than once if you meet the medical criteria and you and your healthcare provider decide it is appropriate for you.

Question 14

What are the side effects of GammaTile Therapy?

Answer

Compared to other radiation treatments, GammaTile Therapy side effects are typically fewer.[2] The potential for adverse events depends on the radiosensitivity of the exposed tissue, the amount of radiation delivered, and the placement of GammaTile(s). Because GammaTile is placed during tumor removal surgery, the possible complications of neurosurgery may also apply; including, but not limited to, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, infection, delayed hemorrhage, seizures, and adhesion formation. For more information about potential side effects, talk to your healthcare provider.

Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT)

Learn more about GammaTile Therapy

We invite you to browse through the videos, read the FAQs, and take a deep dive into the science behind GammaTile Therapy by watching the webinars and reading the clinical publications.

Note: In January 2020, GammaTile Therapy was FDA cleared for the treatment of newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors of all types in addition to the existing clearance for recurrent brain tumors.

GammaTile in the Media

Physician Perspectives