The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute has advanced its Gamma Knife® radiosurgery program with the successful transition from the Gamma Knife ICON system to the next-generation Gamma Knife Esprit platform.
The first patient was treated using the updated system on June 2, at Northside Hospital Forsyth.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a noninvasive treatment that uses highly focused beams of radiation to treat brain tumors and other neurological conditions with exceptional precision. The technology is commonly used to treat brain tumors, metastatic disease, vascular malformations, trigeminal neuralgia and other neurological conditions.
“The updated platform offers not only a more comfortable experience for our patients, but the technology allows us to get patients treated quickly and precisely with a minimal radiation dose to healthy tissue,” said Dr. Isabella Zhang, co-medical director of the Gamma Knife program.
The Cancer Institute launched the radiosurgery program in 2015 with the Gamma Knife Perfexion platform and has continued to invest in advanced radiosurgery technology.
Led by medical directors Dr. Zhang and Dr. Edmund Simon, the program has grown into a high-volume radiosurgery program serving patients from across the Southeast region. Since its launch, more than 2,100 patients have been treated using Gamma Knife technology. Just in fiscal year 2025, the program treated 195 patients.
The new Gamma Knife Esprit platform includes several advancements designed to enhance treatment planning, workflow efficiency and the patient experience. Features include:
- Submillimeter treatment accuracy, which is critical when treating delicate structures within the brain
- Advanced imaging integration to support treatment planning and enhanced precision
- Optimized workflows that help streamline the treatment process
- Automated shot sequencing and streamlined quality assurance processes, reducing manual steps and strengthening operational accuracy and consistency
- Enhanced system longevity and operational efficiency, increasing platform usability from 10 to 20 years
- Improvements designed to support patient comfort during treatment, which may help reduce anxiety
The transition to Gamma Knife Esprit reflects Northside Cancer Institute's ongoing commitment to providing patients with access to advanced treatment technologies and specialized cancer care close to home.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RADIATION THERAPY AT NORTHSIDE.
