The new technology also allows distributive treatments, which are used for treating multiple, separate targets. Only a subset is treated on one day, leaving the rest to be treated on another day.

The updated Gamma Knife Icon offers several other advantages, including expanded treatment areas that include the eyes, face, and upper neck. The Gamma Knife Icon can be particularly advantageous for patients with brain metastases, who are increasingly being treated with radiosurgery instead of whole brain radiation.


“This emphasis on brain protection is one of the founding principles of the O’Donnell Brain Institute and drove the decision to upgrade to this technology,” said Dr. Mickey, Professor of Neurological Surgery and member of the O’Donnell Brain Institute.

The updated Gamma Knife Icon offers several other advantages, including an expanded treatment area that includes the eyes, face and upper neck, and the ability to deliver staged treatments where only a portion of the total target is treated.

Mrs. Whittenberg previously had skin cancer treatments that left her with skin grafts in several areas of her head, making her a good candidate for the new technology. Icon enabled doctors to treat her sinus tumor without affecting the brain or the skin grafts. Her sinus tumor, called benign meningioma, is a type of brain tumor that is typically slow-growing but can cause headaches, hearing loss, changes in vision, and seizures.

“My doctors were really concerned about my safety and comfort. They treated me like I’m their mom or grandmother,” said Mrs. Whittenberg, who together with her husband, Don, has six children and 17 grandchildren. “The treatment was finished at noon, so we had lunch and then we drove home the same day.”

Dr. Mickey holds the William Kemp Clark Chair of Neurological Surgery and Dr. Timmerman holds the Effie Marie Cain Distinguished Chair in Cancer Therapy Research.

The Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas and one of just 47 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation. Simmons Cancer Center includes 13 major cancer care programs. In addition, the Center’s education and training programs support and develop the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians. Simmons Cancer Center is among only 30 U.S. cancer research centers to be designated by the NCI as a National Clinical Trials Network Lead Academic Participating Site.

Advantages of the Gamma Knife Icon

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