World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February with the aim to raise awareness, inspire action, and increase access to the highest quality of cancer care. The theme for 2025–2027 is “United by Unique.”

This short phrase brings a larger truth into focus: while cancer connects millions of people worldwide, every individual’s experience of the disease is different. Nowhere is this more evident than in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours.

A brain tumour is a complex diagnosis, and every person’s experience of it will be different, influenced by many factors including their genetics, medical history, and personal circumstances.

Researchers and clinicians are increasingly united by the need for a more people-centred approach to cancer care, which takes into account not just the diagnosis, but the unique needs and human story of each patient.

When planning a brain tumour treatment pathway, the precision of modern and continually evolving techniques such as Gamma Knife surgery has an increasingly important role to play. Here, we look at why it offers far more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why are brain tumours so complex to treat?

Even when two patients are diagnosed with the same type of brain tumour, their situations are rarely identical. Tumours vary in size, shape, growth rate and, critically, location.

A small lesion in one area of the brain may cause significant symptoms, while a larger tumour elsewhere may initially go unnoticed.

Beyond anatomy, each patient brings their own health background into the equation. Age, existing medical conditions, neurological function, previous treatments and overall resilience all influence which treatment options are appropriate.

For some, the priority may be long-term tumour control; for others, preserving cognitive function, independence or quality of life is paramount. This is why modern cancer care is moving towards a more personalised and flexible approach.

How does advanced Gamma Knife technology support personalised brain cancer care?

People-centred cancer care starts with listening to the patient’s symptoms, concerns, and priorities, supported with detailed diagnostic imaging and clinical assessment.

In the context of brain tumours, precision matters. Small differences in tumour position can significantly affect treatment planning. This is particularly crucial when critical structures such as speech, movement, vision or memory centres are involved.

The goal is not simply to treat the tumour, but to do so while minimising disruption to the surrounding healthy brain tissue, and reducing the side effects of the tumour.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery was developed with this level of precision in mind. Using highly focused beams of radiation, it allows clinicians to target tumours with sub-millimetre accuracy, shaping treatment around the unique contours of each patient’s anatomy.

Why brain cancer treatment should adapt to the patient

Traditional brain surgery can be life-saving and essential in many cases. However, it is not always the best or safest option for every patient. Some tumours are located deep within the brain or close to vital structures, making open surgery higher risk.

Others may be small, slow-growing, or recurrent after previous treatment. Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers a non-invasive alternative for selected patients, typically delivered in a single outpatient session.

The procedure involves no incision, no general anaesthetic, and minimal recovery time. For many people, this means less disruption to daily life, reduced hospital stays, and a quicker return to normal activities.

Importantly, this approach supports a more individualised care pathway that takes into account not just the tumour, but the person living with it.

A shared commitment to personalised cancer care

World Cancer Day’s United by Unique theme highlights the importance of recognising individual needs while working collectively to improve outcomes for all.

In practice, this means multidisciplinary teams collaborating closely, neurosurgeons, oncologists, physicists, nurses and support staff, each contributing their expertise to tailor treatment plans.

It also means clear communication, realistic expectations, and ongoing support before, during and after treatment. True people-centred care combines advanced treatment options with empathy, transparency and respect for patient choice.

Looking beyond survival alone

Cancer care is no longer measured solely by survival statistics. Increasingly, it is judged by how well patients are able to live during and after treatment.

Preserving neurological function, maintaining independence and supporting emotional wellbeing are essential outcomes in their own right.

For many patients with brain tumours, Gamma Knife radiosurgery represents an approach that aligns with these priorities. By tailoring treatment to the individual, clinicians can often achieve effective tumour control while minimising side effects and protecting quality of life.

As cancer treatment continues to evolve, personalised approaches will remain central. If you would like to find out more about Amethyst Radiotherapy’s unique brain cancer treatment pathways, please get in touch with our team today.

When someone is diagnosed with a complex brain condition, the treatment journey can feel daunting. Decisions are rarely straightforward and the results are crucial, affecting not only survival, but also cognition, mobility, independence, and quality of life.

In this context, who plans and delivers treatment matters just as much as what treatment is chosen. This is where a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach plays a critical role.

For conditions treated with advanced techniques such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery, MDT working is widely recognised as a key factor in achieving safer, more effective, and more personalised outcomes.

What is a multidisciplinary team in brain care?

A multidisciplinary team brings together specialists from different clinical disciplines to jointly assess, plan, and deliver patient care.

Rather than decisions being made by a single clinician, the MDT combines multiple expert perspectives to ensure that every aspect of a patient’s condition is considered.

In complex neurological care, an MDT typically includes:

• Neurosurgeons
• Radiation oncologists
• Neuroradiologists
• Medical physicists
• Specialist nurses
• Sometimes neurologists, endocrinologists, or pain specialists, depending on the condition

Each professional contributes unique expertise, allowing the team to balance tumour control, neurological safety, and long-term wellbeing.

Why single-discipline decision-making isn’t enough

Brain conditions such as meningiomas, brain metastases, pituitary tumours, arteriovenous malformations, or trigeminal neuralgia often sit at the intersection of multiple specialties.

A treatment that looks optimal from one perspective may carry hidden risks when viewed from another.

For example:

• A neurosurgeon may assess surgical feasibility.
• A radiation oncologist evaluates radiosurgical precision and dose safety.
• A neuroradiologist ensures imaging interpretation is accurate.
• A physicist confirms that radiation delivery can be executed safely and precisely.

MDT discussions reduce the risk of over-treatment, under-treatment, or avoidable complications, leading to more confident and defensible clinical decisions.

What is the role of an MDT in Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is one of the most precise treatment tools in modern medicine. That precision, however, depends on meticulous planning and collaboration.

Before treatment, MDTs jointly:

• Review diagnostic imaging in detail
• Confirm the exact diagnosis and treatment indication
• Decide whether radiosurgery, surgery, monitoring, or a combination is most appropriate
• Agree on dose planning and risk mitigation strategies

This collaborative process ensures that radiosurgery is used only when it is genuinely the best option, and that it is delivered in the safest possible way.

How do MDTs improve safety in Gamma Knife surgery?

Many brain conditions are located close to vital structures such as the optic nerves, brainstem, cranial nerves, or hormonal control centres. Damage to these areas may impact vision, hearing, balance, or endocrine function.

MDT working is particularly important in these cases. Input from multiple specialists helps the team:

• Define safe treatment margins
• Minimise radiation exposure to healthy tissue
• Anticipate and manage potential side effects
• Adjust treatment plans based on individual anatomy

The result is a more refined approach that prioritises function preservation alongside disease control.

Can MDT models improve outcomes in complex brain treatment?

Centres that operate MDT-led care models often manage a high volume of complex cases. This collective experience improves decision-making, particularly for rare or challenging conditions.

MDTs allow clinicians to:

• Learn from past cases and long-term follow-up data
• Apply evidence-based protocols consistently
• Discuss atypical presentations or borderline cases openly
• Align treatment decisions with the latest clinical research

For patients and families, this translates into greater confidence that recommendations are not based on opinion alone, but on shared expertise and established evidence.

How do MDTs provide reassurance for patients and families?

For patients navigating a life-changing diagnosis, MDT-led care provides reassurance and clarity during an uncertain time. Knowing that multiple experts have reviewed the case can reduce anxiety and help patients feel supported rather than rushed into decisions.

Importantly, MDTs also support clearer communication, with a Clinical Nurse Specialist acting as the key point of contact. Treatment recommendations are more likely to be:

• Clearly explained
• Balanced and transparent
• Aligned with the patient’s priorities and values

This patient-first approach is essential when discussing options that may affect long-term neurological health.

How do MDTs support referring clinicians and continuity of care?

Multidisciplinary working is equally valuable for referring clinicians. It provides a trusted framework for collaboration, particularly when managing complex cases that benefit from specialist input.

MDT-led centres often work closely with:

• NHS hospitals
• International healthcare providers
• Local specialists managing ongoing care

This ensures continuity before, during, and after treatment, which is especially important for international patients who may return home following radiosurgery.

A collaborative approach that puts patients first

Multidisciplinary teams are not just a clinical structure; they represent a philosophy of care. By combining expertise, experience, and empathy, MDTs ensure that treatment decisions are made with the whole patient in mind, not just the diagnosis.

If you are a patient, family member, or referring clinician seeking expert input on a complex brain condition, contact us today for further information about how our MDT approach could help you.

Each year, 7th October marks National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day, which offers a chance to focus on one of the most painful and misunderstood neurological conditions.

For those living with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), the simplest everyday activities, such as brushing teeth, smiling, or feeling a cool breeze, can trigger excruciating facial pain.

But what exactly is trigeminal neuralgia, and how can modern treatments like Gamma Knife radiosurgery help people reclaim their quality of life?

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is the main nerve responsible for sensation in the face. It’s often described as a sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain that can affect one side of the face.

The pain can appear in short bursts lasting seconds or minutes, or in repeated attacks throughout the day. In severe cases, it can become constant and debilitating. Even gentle touch or mild temperature changes can trigger a painful episode.

What causes trigeminal neuralgia?

While research is continually undergoing to understand the causes of trigeminal neuralgia, it is generally agreed that it involves the compression of the trigeminal nerve, often by a nearby blood vessel pressing on the nerve root. This pressure can disrupt normal nerve function and cause the intense pain signals associated with TN.

Less commonly, trigeminal neuralgia can result from other underlying conditions such as multiple sclerosis or, in rare cases, a tumour affecting the nerve pathway.

How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history and neurological examination. Imaging techniques like MRI scans are often used to rule out other causes of facial pain and to detect any nerve compression.

Because the symptoms can mimic other conditions such as dental problems, sinus issues, or migraines, many patients experience delays before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

Raising awareness through National Trigeminal Neuralgia Day helps improve recognition of these symptoms and encourages those affected to seek specialist assessment sooner.

What are the treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for TN, but there are several effective ways to manage symptoms and reduce pain. Most people begin with medication, particularly anticonvulsant drugs that help calm overactive nerves.

However, over time, some patients find that medications become less effective or cause side effects that impact daily life. For those cases, surgical or minimally invasive options may be considered. Among these, Gamma Knife radiosurgery is one of the most advanced and least invasive techniques available today.

What Is Gamma Knife surgery?

Despite its name, Gamma Knife surgery is a highly precise form of stereotactic radiosurgery, using focused beams of gamma radiation to target the trigeminal nerve at its root. By delivering a concentrated dose of energy, Gamma Knife treatment disrupts the transmission of pain signals along the affected nerve, providing long-lasting relief for many patients.

What can patients expect during the procedure?

The procedure is usually performed as a day case, allowing patients to return home the same day. It begins with the fitting of a lightweight frame or mask to help guide the treatment with pinpoint accuracy.

During the procedure, patients remain awake and can communicate with the care team throughout. The treatment itself is painless, and there is no need for stitches or recovery time in hospital. Most people resume normal activities within a day or two.

Is Gamma Knife safe?

Gamma Knife has been used worldwide for over half a century, with an outstanding safety record. The risk of complications is very low compared to open surgery. Some patients may experience temporary numbness or tingling in the face, but serious side effects are uncommon.

Why does awareness matter?

Many people living with trigeminal neuralgia go years without a proper diagnosis or understanding of their condition.

Awareness days like 7th October play a vital role in ensuring people recognise the symptoms, access specialist advice, and learn about modern, less invasive treatments such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

By sharing experiences, supporting research, and promoting education, the TN community continues to make powerful strides toward better understanding and care.

Could Gamma Knife be right for you?

If you or someone you love is struggling with facial pain that may be trigeminal neuralgia, speaking with our team at Amethyst Radiotherapy, a specialist  provider of Gamma Knife radiosurgery with centres in London and Sheffield, can help you explore your options.

This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s vital not only to raise awareness of breast cancer itself but also of the possible complications such as brain metastases. By understanding the risks, symptoms, and treatment options, patients and families can feel empowered to make informed decisions and access the best possible care.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, and while many people respond well to treatment, some may face complications if the disease spreads to other parts of the body. One of the more serious developments is brain metastases, where cancer cells travel from the breast to the brain.

This can be a daunting diagnosis, but with advances in treatments, such as targeted therapies and Gamma Knife radiosurgery, the outlook is more positive than ever before.

What are brain metastases in breast cancer?

Brain metastases occur when cancer cells break away from the original breast tumour and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the brain. Once there, they form new tumours.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of brain metastases, after lung cancer. Around ten to 15 per cent of people with advanced breast cancer will eventually develop brain metastases, though this figure can be higher in certain subtypes, such as HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancers.

Who is most at risk of brain metastases in breast cancer?

Not all breast cancer patients will develop brain metastases, but certain factors increase the likelihood. These include:

• Subtype of breast cancer –HER2-positive and triple-negative subtypes are more likely to spread to the brain.
• Stage of cancer – advanced or metastatic disease carries a greater risk.
• Age –younger women with breast cancer may be more prone to developing secondary tumours in the brain.

Understanding these risk factors helps doctors monitor patients more closely, enabling earlier detection and treatment if brain metastases occur.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer brain metastases?

Symptoms depend on the size, number, and location of tumours in the brain. Common signs include:

• Persistent headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Changes in speech, balance, or coordination
• Cognitive or personality changes

Because these symptoms can overlap with other health issues, it’s vital that patients with a history of breast cancer report any new or unusual neurological symptoms to their healthcare team immediately.

How are brain metastases diagnosed?

When brain metastases are suspected, imaging tests are used to confirm their presence. These may include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – the most sensitive method for detecting brain metastases.
• CT scans –often used if MRI is not available or suitable.

In some cases, additional tests may be performed to assess the extent of disease and to guide treatment decisions.

What are the treatment options for brain metastases?

Treatment for brain metastases depends on the size, number, and location of tumours, as well as the patient’s overall health and type of breast cancer. Options include:

• Steroids –to reduce swelling and relieve symptoms.
• Surgery –for accessible tumours that can be safely removed.
• Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) –treats the entire brain but can cause side effects such as memory issues.
• Targeted therapies and immunotherapy –newer drugs designed to cross the blood-brain barrier are showing promising results.
• Gamma Knife radiosurgery –a highly precise form of treatment that is becoming increasingly important.

What is Gamma Knife surgery and how does it help?

Despite the name, Gamma Knife surgery is not surgery in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) that uses highly focused beams of radiation to target tumours in the brain with extreme accuracy.

The benefits of Gamma Knife treatment include:

• Precision – only the tumour is targeted, sparing healthy brain tissue.
• Non-invasive –no incision is required, meaning fewer risks and a quicker recovery.
• Effectiveness –often suitable for patients with one or several small brain metastases.
• Convenience – usually performed in a single outpatient session.

For breast cancer patients with brain metastases, Gamma Knife radiosurgery offers an alternative to whole-brain radiotherapy, reducing side effects and improving quality of life while effectively controlling tumour growth.

Can brain metastases be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer from spreading to the brain. However, managing the disease early and effectively can reduce the risk. Advances in systemic therapies – particularly HER2-targeted drugs – are also helping to delay or prevent brain metastases in some patients.

Regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare professionals are key. For those at higher risk, prompt imaging when symptoms appear can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes.

With continued research progress, survival rates and quality of life for patients facing brain metastases are expected to improve significantly.

The prospect of having brain treatment can understandably give rise to a lot of questions and uncertainties. If your doctor has recommended Gamma Knife radiosurgery, you may already have heard that it is not “surgery” in the traditional sense. There are no scalpels, no incisions and most people go home the same day.

Still, it’s natural to feel anxious about what lies ahead. This guide walks you through a typical treatment day so you know what to expect, from the moment you arrive at the clinic until you return home.

What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery, which is a highly precise type of radiotherapy used mainly for conditions in the brain.

Instead of cutting into tissue, it uses beams of radiation that converge on a single point, targeting a tumour, malformation, or nerve problem while sparing nearby healthy brain tissue.

Many patients ask:

• Is Gamma Knife surgery painful?
• How long does a Gamma Knife session last?
• Do I need to stay in hospital overnight after Gamma Knife surgery?

The answers become clearer once you understand what happens on the day.

Step 1: Arriving at the centre

Most patients come in early in the morning. When you arrive, you’ll meet the   multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, oncologists, nurses and radiologists who will oversee your treatment. They will check your details, answer any last-minute questions, and explain the day’s plan.

Step 2: Fitting the head frame or mask

For Gamma Knife treatment to work, your head must be kept completely still so the radiation beams can be delivered with pinpoint accuracy. In many centres, this is done using a lightweight head frame that is gently secured with four tiny pins.

A local anaesthetic is used so that any discomfort is minimal, and patients describe it more as “pressure” than pain.

Step 3: Imaging

Next, you’ll have a scan, usually an MRI, sometimes a CT or angiogram depending on your condition. These images give the doctors an exact map of your brain and the area that needs treatment. You’ll wear the frame or mask during scanning to ensure the images line up perfectly with the treatment system.

This part can take around 30 – 60 minutes. You won’t feel anything during the scan, though you may hear the usual whirring noises.

Step 4: Treatment planning

After your scan, you can usually relax in a private room or waiting area while the MDT specialists create your personalised treatment plan. They use advanced software to decide exactly where each radiation beam should go, how many beams are needed, and what dose is safe and effective.

This stage often takes the longest, sometimes one to two hours, but you won’t be alone. Nurses check on you, and you may be able to rest, read, or listen to music. Families are often encouraged to wait with you.

Step 5: The treatment session

When the plan is ready, you’ll be taken to the Gamma Knife suite. You’ll lie on a comfortable couch, and the head frame or mask is attached to the treatment machine to keep you still. The couch slides gently into the machine, which is quiet and open at the ends.

• The treatment itself is painless.
• You won’t feel or see the radiation.
• Sessions can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours, depending on your condition.

Throughout, staff monitor you closely via cameras and intercom. You can speak to them if you need reassurance, and some centres allow music to be played during the session.

Step 6: After the treatment

Once the radiation has been delivered, the head frame or mask is removed. If you had a frame, you may notice small pin marks on your scalp, which usually heal quickly. Some patients feel a little tired, light-headed, or have a mild headache, but many feel well enough to go home within a couple of hours.

Because no incision is made, there’s no long hospital stay. Most people return home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two, though your doctor may suggest taking it easy for 24–48 hours.

Step 7: follow-up care

The benefits of Gamma Knife develop gradually. For tumours, the goal is often to stop growth or shrink it over time. For nerve conditions, pain relief may take a few weeks to appear. Follow-up appointments and scans are scheduled so doctors can monitor progress and manage any side effects.

A day of Gamma Knife treatment is usually much less daunting than many people imagine. The process is carefully managed by a team whose goal is not only precision but also your comfort and peace of mind.