Amethyst Radiotherapy: Proud To Be An Elekta Reference Site
The Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London became part of the Amethyst Group in 2020, and in 2024 we were proud to become an official Elekta reference site.
The Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London became part of the Amethyst Group in 2020, and in 2024 we were proud to become an official Elekta reference site.
The Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London, as a centre of excellence, became a part of the Amethyst Group in 2020, and in 2024 we were proud to become an official Elekta reference site.
Elekta provides leading edge radiation therapy systems, including Gamma Knife equipment, to treat complex brain cancers in an effective and non-invasive manner.
The official recognition by Elekta consolidates our reputation as one of the most highly regarded centres in the world for the treatment of brain tumours and certain other neurological conditions.
Our medical team specialise in the use of Gamma Knife surgery, a type of stereotactic radiosurgery. We welcome the global radiation oncology community to visit and observe our use of Gamma Knife in clinical practice.
Here’s an overview of the treatment process.
The process begins with an outpatient appointment, following a referral by a clinician. If you are confirmed as a suitable candidate for Gamma Knife treatment, you will be invited to meet with a consultant and members of the radiography team. Family and friends are welcome to come along to the appointment, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
On the day of your treatment, you’ll be asked to come to the centre early in the morning, so you may wish to arrange overnight accommodation if you don’t live within convenient travelling distance. You will meet with your medical team, who will explain the schedule for the day.
The next step is to have a head frame fitted, which will prevent your head from moving during the scans and radiation delivery process. The lightweight frame is secured with four pins, and a local anaesthetic will be used to avoid discomfort at the sites where the pins will be secured. You may be given the option to wear a lightweight mask as an alternative.
The next stage involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (or sometimes a CT scan) of your head. The images from the scan allow the medical team to precisely determine the exact size, location, and shape of the tumour or other source of disorder in your brain. The process usually takes around 30 minutes.
You will then have some waiting time while your care team uses the images to draw up a bespoke treatment plan.
Once the consultant has approved your treatment plan, you’ll be ready to start the radiosurgery. During the process, you will lie down wearing the headframe, with your head placed in a ring shaped machine. The medical team will not be present in the delivery room, but you will be able to communicate with them through audio or visual technology.
The length of the treatment will vary depending on the size and type of the tumour or other disorder.
After the treatment, you’ll be invited to rest for an hour or so. The medical team will review your treatment, and in the majority of cases, you will be fit and well enough to return home.
Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours
Want to know more about Gamma Knife Treatment?
Our friendly staff are here to help you, get in touch with them today