At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we offer GammaTile® Therapy, an FDA-cleared treatment that delivers targeted radiation during surgery for operable brain tumors. This advanced approach helps address residual tumor cells while limiting radiation exposure to surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Our experienced neurosurgeons combine specialized neurosurgical oncology expertise with advanced treatment techniques. We focus on evaluating each patient's condition and developing individualized surgical treatment plans to support neurological health and recovery.
GammaTile® Therapy is a form of Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT) designed to deliver precise radiation treatment directly to the tumor bed during surgery.
GammaTile is a biocompatible, permanent collagen tile that is a source of Cesium-131 (Cs-131). It gradually releases radiation to target residual tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Each tile is 2 cm x 2 cm and is 4 mm thick. Each tile contains 4 Cesium-131 (Cs-131) titanium-encased sources.
During brain tumor removal surgery, our neurosurgeons strategically place GammaTiles® at the tumor site. The number of tiles used depends on the tumor's size and location, with tiles positioned to cover the tumor cavity.
Once placed, the tiles immediately begin delivering a uniform radiation dose to the targeted area. This radiation is designed to address remaining tumor cells and help reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.
Over time, the radiation dose is delivered, and the collagen tiles are naturally absorbed by the body, leaving behind inactive titanium sources.
GammaTile® Therapy delivers radiation gradually over several weeks:
Approximately 50% of the therapeutic dose is delivered, helping prevent residual tumor cells from replicating.2
Approximately 88% of the therapeutic dose is delivered.
More than 95% of the therapeutic dose is delivered.2
These treatment characteristics allow radiation delivery to begin at the time of surgery, rather than requiring a separate procedure to initiate it.
At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we combine detailed neurological evaluations, specialized neurosurgical oncology expertise, and individualized treatment planning to determine the appropriate approach to brain tumor care.
Before recommending GammaTile® Therapy, our neurosurgeons thoroughly assess your condition to understand the tumor's characteristics and your overall neurological health.
Our evaluation considers:
Reviewing your medical background, symptoms, diagnosis, and previous treatments.
Assessing relevant imaging studies to understand the tumor's size, location, and surrounding structures.
Evaluating neurological function and factors that may influence surgical treatment decisions.
These findings help our team determine whether GammaTile® Therapy may be appropriate as part of your brain tumor surgery.
Established in 1954, Haynes Neurosurgical Group has a longstanding history of providing specialized neurosurgical care in Alabama.
Our team includes neurosurgeons with expertise in brain tumor surgery, neurosurgical oncology, and microsurgical techniques. Dr. Phillip Cem Cezayirli completed a neurosurgical oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as research fellowship training in microsurgical neuroanatomy and microneurosurgery.
This specialized expertise supports our approach to complex brain tumor procedures, with careful attention to surgical precision and preserving healthy neurological structures.
Our neurosurgeons use the findings from your evaluation to develop a surgical treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and neurological needs.
When GammaTile® Therapy is considered, we explain how it may fit into your overall brain tumor treatment plan. We also discuss the potential benefits, associated risks, and what to expect from the recommended approach.
Our goal is to help you understand your treatment options and make informed decisions about your care.
GammaTile® Therapy offers several potential benefits for appropriately selected patients undergoing brain tumor surgery.
GammaTile® Therapy precisely targets the tumor bed, helping target residual tumor cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Administered during surgery, GammaTile® Therapy eliminates the need for repeat radiation treatments, additional hospital visits, or outpatient treatments.
By delivering targeted radiation therapy, GammaTile® Therapy helps minimize side effects commonly associated with traditional radiation treatments.
Studies have shown that GammaTile® Therapy can significantly reduce treatment site recurrence in patients with recurrent meningiomas and brain metastases.
Additionally, it demonstrates a potential for improved overall survival in patients with recurrent glioblastomas.5–6
Individual treatment outcomes may vary depending on the type of brain tumor, its characteristics, and the patient's overall condition.
Many patients may experience fewer side effects with GammaTile® Therapy than with certain other radiation treatments.1–2, 6 However, postoperative side effects can still occur.
These may include:
Radiation-related side effects can vary depending on the sensitivity of the exposed tissue, the amount of radiation delivered, and the placement of GammaTile®.
Some side effects may be temporary, while others may require medical evaluation or treatment. If you experience any unexpected or concerning symptoms, contact our team promptly.
Discover advanced brain tumor treatment options at Haynes Neurosurgical Group. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond conventional approaches through specialized neurosurgical expertise and innovative techniques such as GammaTile® Therapy.
Our experienced neurosurgeons provide individualized care for patients across Alabama, with a focus on precise surgical treatment and preserving neurological function.
To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call us at (205) 787-8676 or request an appointment online.
1. Nakaji P, Youssef E, Dardis C, Smith K, Pinnaduwage D, Brachman D. Surgically targeted radiation therapy: a prospective trial in 79 recurrent, previously irradiated intracranial neoplasms. Poster presented at: 2019 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting; April 2019; San Diego, CA.
2. Brachman D, Youssef E, Dardis C, et al. Surgically targeted radiation therapy: safety profile of collagen tile brachytherapy in 79 recurrent, previously irradiated intracranial neoplasms on a prospective clinical trial. Brachytherapy. 2019;18(3):S35-S36.
3. Brachman D, Youssef E, Dardis C, et al. Resection and permanent intracranial brachytherapy using modular, biocompatible cesium-131 implants: results in 20 recurrent, previously irradiated meningiomas. J Neurosurg. 2019;131(6):1819-1828
4. Rogers L, Nakaji P, Youssef E, et al. Resection and surgically targeted radiation therapy for initial salvage treatment of aggressive meningioma: results from a prospective trial. Presented at: CNS 2020 Virtual Meeting; September 30, 2020.
5. Nakaji P, Smith K, Youssef E, et al. Resection and surgically targeted radiation therapy for the treatment of larger recurrent or newly diagnosed brain metastasis: results from a prospective trial. Cureus. 12(11):1-12.
6. Choi M, Zabramski J. Re-Irradiation using brachytherapy for recurrent intracranial tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Cureus 12(8): e9666. doi:10.7759/cureus.9666.
Indication: GammaTile is intended to deliver radiation therapy in patients with newly diagnosed malignant intracranial neoplasms and recurrent intracranial neoplasms. Side effects related to GammaTile Therapy are rare and may include radiation brain changes, including necrosis. Refer to the instructions for use for a complete description of all warnings, precautions, and contraindications.
Phone: (205) 787-8676
Fax: (205) 785-7944
801 Princeton Avenue, S.W.
Suite 310
Birmingham, AL 35211
Located on Floor 3 of Professional Office Building 1.
