Krembil Neuroscience Centre (KNC)

Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Family Gamma Knife Centre

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What is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery? The Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery. This radiation tool is known worldwide for its precise treatment to targeted areas of the brain. The Gamma Knife is comprised of focused beams of gamma radiation that deliver single doses of radiation therapy with precision of less than 1 mm. The Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gamma Knife Centre is located in a new wing at Toronto Western Hospital, which is part of the University Health Network. This treatment program is a unique collaboration between the neuroscience, medical imaging, and the radiation medicine programs. Each of these programs is considered a world leader in research and clinical medicine. This collaborative approach promises to offer state-of-the-art care for all patients. We are currently the only Gamma Knife center in Ontario, and we accept referrals from all over the province and across the country.

Role in Treating Neurological Disease
The beams of gamma radiation are specifically programmed to target areas of the brain where surgical access is challenging or too dangerous or are not optimally suited for other medical treatments. In a single treatment session, 201 beams of gamma radiation focus precisely on the target. The exposure is brief and only the tissue being treated receives a significant radiation dose, while the surrounding tissue remains unharmed.

Who is Eligible for Gamma Knife Surgery?
Patients may be referred to the Gamma Knife Centre for consideration of radiosurgery for the following clinical indications:

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia who have failed an adequate trial of medications, and may have also failed prior surgical intervention
Patients with brain or dural vascular malformations (AVM) suitable for radiosurgery
Patients with specific types of brain tumours may considered for treatment with Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Movement disorders (tremor) and specific types of severe pain
Patients with specific types of epilepsy

All referrals are assessed by a team of neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists, to determine the best type of treatment recommended for that condition. Under certain circumstances, a different radiation approach or surgery may be recommended.
Is Gamma Knife radiosurgery the right treatment for you?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is performed without incisions or the need for a general anesthesia. This means that common risks associated with conventional neurosurgery, such as infection and bleeding are virtually eliminated.
Patients are discharged from the Gamma Knife Centre on the day of treatment and are usually able to return to their normal activities within 24-48 hours
Gamma Knife can be safe. There is generally no hair loss, nausea or vomiting,) after treatment.
Patients will benefit from the advanced imaging resources at the state-of-the-art TWH imaging centre as well as on-going innovations in image guidance. Better determination of the location and extent of the target is key to fully exploiting this new technology for the benefit of the patient.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a single dose treatment. Most of the time you do not need to come back for repeat treatment. The radiation is delivered with a precision of less than 1 mm. The beam is so precise that the surrounding normal tissue receives minimum radiation.

For patients looking for more information on brain tumours please visit: www.radiationatpmh.com
How do I get in touch with the Gamma Knife Center?

Physicians who wish to refer patients for consideration of radiosurgery are requested to fax clinical information as well as imaging to the address below. Cases are reviewed every week and patients are seen promptly.
Referrals from all physicians are accepted
The Gamma Knife Centre accepts referrals for Ontario residents and out-of-province Canadian residents. Referrals for non-residents or uninsured patients are assessed on an individual basis.
Your physician will receive information regarding a Gamma Knife clinic appointment, or an alternative recommendation for treatment other than Gamma Knife if necessary

When you come to clinic:
When you are given a clinic appointment, you will be seen by a team of neurosurgeons and radiation oncology doctors. Your clinical information and imaging will be reviewed. Please be sure to bring important information, such as a list of your medications with you. If Gamma Knife radiosurgery is recommended, you will be shown a video of what the procedure is like, and what to expect. You will have ample time to ask questions. Your treatment date will be booked at that time. Feel free to bring family members with you to your clinic appointment.
Patient Referrals - Gamma Knife Centre
Toronto Western Hospital
Room MC 3-449
399 Bathurst St.
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8
Phone: (416) 603-5445
Fax: (416) 603-5155
E-Mail: gamma.knife@uhn.on.ca
Web: www.krembil.com
Gamma Knife co-directors:
Dr. Cynthia Menard, Radiation Oncologist
Tel. 416- 946-6513
Email: Cynthia.menard@rmp.uhn.on.ca

Dr. Mojgan Hodaie, Neurosurgeon
Tel: (416) 603-5800 ext. 6441
Email: Mojgan.hodaie@uhn.on.ca
www.radiationatpmh.com

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