Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center successfully performs the first GammaTile implant in New Jersey, providing targeted radiation therapy for patients with recurrent meningioma brain tumors.
Groundbreaking GammaTile Implant Offers Targeted Brain Tumor Treatment in New Jersey
Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully performing the first GammaTile implant in the state of New Jersey. This groundbreaking procedure provides targeted radiation therapy for patients with recurrent meningioma brain tumors. Let's delve into the details of this innovative treatment and its impact on patients' lives.
The GammaTile implant, a bioresorbable collagen device, is implanted during surgery to deliver radiation directly to the tumor site. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy tissue while effectively treating any remaining cancer cells. The significance of this procedure lies in its ability to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence and the need for additional treatments.
John Pettenati, a 61-year-old man from Ringoes, became the first patient to receive the GammaTile implant at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Expressing his gratitude, Pettenati said, "I'm so thankful for the provision in my life, including the ability to have this groundbreaking procedure performed by my doctors at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. I'm glad that I am able to receive this one-time procedure, rather than a course of therapy, and without having to travel far from home."
Transforming Brain Tumor Treatment with GammaTile Implant
Aggressive brain tumors, such as meningiomas, often pose a significant challenge due to their resistance to conventional treatments and high recurrence rates. However, the GammaTile implant offers a transformative solution by delivering targeted radiation therapy immediately after surgery. This innovative approach streamlines patient care, eliminating the need for separate radiation therapy sessions.
Meningiomas, accounting for about 40% of primary brain tumors in the United States, are frequently discovered incidentally during routine health tests. With the GammaTile implant, patients like John Pettenati can receive effective radiation therapy at the same time as tumor removal surgery, reducing the burden of additional treatments and travel to distant clinics.
Dr. Shabbar Danish, Chair of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute, emphasized the importance of providing the best possible treatments and therapies to patients. He stated, "GammaTile offers a transformative solution by providing patients with effective radiation precisely at the same time of surgery. The ability to streamline patient care is invaluable to patients and their caretakers."
GammaTile: Advancing Brain Tumor Treatment in New Jersey
GammaTile, developed by GT Medical Technologies, Inc., is the only FDA-cleared innovation in brain brachytherapy. This bioresorbable collagen implant delivers targeted radiation therapy directly to the tumor site, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The advantages of GammaTile extend beyond its efficacy; it also minimizes hair loss, a common side effect of traditional external beam radiation to the brain.
Hackensack Meridian Health, a leading provider of cancer care in New Jersey, is committed to bringing cutting-edge medical advances to their community. Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, highlighted the significance of GammaTile, stating, "GammaTile is a prime example of our teams bringing leading-edge medical advances to our community."
The Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is home to a team of experts in various neurological conditions. Their comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and surgery ensures that patients receive the best care possible. From multiple sclerosis to pediatric neurology, the institute covers a wide range of neurological diseases and conditions.
Hope for Patients Battling Aggressive Brain Tumors
For over 200,000 patients in the U.S. diagnosed with aggressive brain tumors each year, the GammaTile implant offers hope for improved treatment outcomes. Its ability to deliver targeted radiation therapy during surgery reduces the risk of tumor recurrence and minimizes the need for additional treatments.
Timothy Chen, Medical Director at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, explained the appeal of the GammaTile implant for patients like John Pettenati. Chen said, "John became very interested in GammaTile when we discussed that its implantation would only take a few minutes at the end of his brain tumor removal surgery, and it would allow him to receive the radiation therapy he needed without commuting to a radiation outpatient clinic every day for several weeks."
The successful implementation of the GammaTile implant at Jersey Shore University Medical Center marks a significant advancement in the treatment of brain tumors. Patients like John Pettenati can now benefit from a one-time procedure that delivers targeted radiation therapy while minimizing the need for additional treatments and travel to distant clinics. This groundbreaking technology brings hope to individuals battling aggressive brain tumors and demonstrates the commitment of Hackensack Meridian Health to providing cutting-edge medical care to their community.