GammaTile on the Brain: Brachytherapy for Brain Tumors With Mike and Simon

The Accelerators co-host Dr. Matt Spraker is joined by two experts in brachytherapy for brain tumors, Radiation Onocologist and CMO of GT Medical Technologies Dr. Michael Garcia, MD, MS and Neurosurgeon Dr. Simon Hanft, MD, FAANS.

We first review the origin story of GammaTile, an evolution of the practice of brachytherapy for brain tumors. 

Simon then shares how he has deployed GammaTile in his practice. We dive in to patient selection, how the design facilitates a shallow technical learning curve, and the process of prescribing and placing the implant.

Discussion then shifts to research. We review some of the published studies (see links below) that support use of GammaTile for both brain metastases and recurrent primary brain tumors, such as GBM and meningioma. We also discuss some recently completed and soon-to-open trials, including Mike's creative idea - time intensification! -  to move the needle on outcomes for glioblastoma. 

Here are some of the studies we discussed and other useful links:

• The ROADS Study 
• The GESTALT Study
• Ekhator et al., Review of GammaTile Studies 
• Prasad et al., Radiation Protection Considerations for GammaTile
• Griffin et al., Fast Neutron Therapy for GBM
• Beckham et al., GammaTile for Salvage of Recurrent Brain Mets and a nice industry summary of findings in context (BioSpace)
• Dr. Simon Hanft, Building a Successful GammaTile Program (YouTube)
• A nice Insta patient video by a Dr. Bohnen, a neurosurgeon at Matt's center

Editor's Note: TAP were compensated for this episode and GT Medical Technologies participated in planning the content. The discussions in this episode are the opinions of the participants and are not clinical advice.

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The Accelerators Podcast is a Photon Media production.