Accessing Gamma Knife treatment
Gamma Knife is a non-invasive alternative to neurosurgery that treats brain tumours and other brain conditions. Patient planning and treatment can usually be done on one day as an outpatient procedure.
The Gamma Knife Centre of Queensland at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) is the only Gamma Knife facility in Queensland. The Gamma Knife Centre of Queensland contributes to Princess Alexandra Hospital’s reputation as a Centre of Excellence in cancer care and treatment.
The Gamma Knife service has been operational at PAH’s Radiation Oncology Centre since October 2015.
Eligibility and referral
To be considered for treatment at the Gamma Knife Centre of Queensland (GKCoQ), you must be referred by your general practitioner (GP). Referrals are reviewed by a team of specialised staff, including:
- neurosurgeons
- radiation oncologists
- physicists
- neuro-radiologists
- neuro-oncologists
- nurses
- radiation therapists.
These professionals evaluate each patient's condition and decide whether Gamma Knife treatment is suitable.
Your outpatient appointment
If you are selected for Gamma Knife treatment, you can book an outpatient appointment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital or, if you are in a remote location, you can book a telehealth appointment.
The doctor will explain the entire Gamma Knife treatment process, including risks and benefits, and answer your questions.
Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking to this appointment so that the doctor can advise if you need to stop any of them before your treatment.
At this appointment, you will:
- be asked to sign an informed consent form
- meet the Gamma Knife Care Coordinator who will be your main point of contact throughout the process and provide you with additional patient information
- be able to ask questions or raise any concerns about your treatment.
If you are claustrophobic, tell the doctor. A light sedation can be prescribed for you to take on the day of treatment.
Where possible, please have someone come with you to the appointment.
Your treatment day
Find out what happens on your treatment day and what you can expect from the Gamma Knife treatment process.
Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme
All Australian states and territories have schemes that subsidise travel and accommodation expenses incurred by patients who need to travel long distances for specialist treatment:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Telehealth service
Princess Alexandra Hospital and The University of Queensland's Centre of Online Health (COH) have developed the PAH Telehealth Centre, a sophisticated and purpose-built facility equipped with state-of-the-art telemedicine consultation rooms for clinical consultations. The facility supports a broad range of specialties to provide telehealth services that are of a high standard, appropriate, economical and sustainable.