Thousands of patients are expected to benefit from Australia’s first publicly provided Gamma Knife to offer a non-invasive alternative to neurosurgery for brain cancer patients.
The Health Minister announced the delivery of the $4.3 million machine to the Princess Alexandra Hospital yesterday, with the first patients expected to be treated by August.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said Queensland’s Gamma Knife would be the first of its kind in Queensland.
“We welcome this joint initiative by the Queensland Government and the Metro South Hospital and Health Service,” Ms Clift said.
“The use of this technology will enable fast recovery times for brain cancer patients, less time in hospitals and better quality of life for those affected.
“Gamma Knife technology has been safely established as a world-leading medical technology, and we are proud to see a machine delivered to Queensland.
“The Gamma Knife will offer an advanced standard of quality clinical care and better outcomes for patients, along with enhanced service efficiency.
“The technology is non-invasive – it allows radiation oncologists to treat cancerous and benign brain tumours without shaving hair or cutting into a patient’s skull.
“This dedicated public Gamma Knife service will significantly improve cancer control, offering patients access to best-practice stereotactic radiotherapy and improving clinical efficiency in the treatment of brain tumours and a range of other conditions.”
Every year, around 310 Queenslanders are diagnosed with brain cancer and about 250 people die from the disease.
Brain cancer is one of the most lethal, yet understudied of all cancers. Risk factors are not easily identifiable, and no screening procedures currently exist.
“The Gamma Knife has been clinically proven to be the most efficient treatment for patients with multiple brain tumours,” Ms Clift said.
“There is increase demand for intra-cranial radiosurgery in Queensland, with patients with malignant and benign tumours able to benefit from the treatment.
“This is a wonderful step forward for the State, and we look forward to better outcomes for Queenslanders affected by brain cancer.”
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171