GammaTile

GammaTile FAQ

GammaTile® Brain Tumor Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, you likely have questions about your brain tumor treatment options. Below are answers to commonly asked questions about GammaTile – an innovative, tile-based radiation therapy designed for operable brain tumors.*1

GammaTile is a small, bioresorbable collagen tile embedded with radiation seeds that is implanted at the time of brain tumor removal surgery.1

GammaTile brain tumor treatment provides a single-procedure solution for tumor removal surgery and radiation therapy, thereby ensuring patients receive treatment that offers immediate, localized therapy designed to improve outcomes and quality of life.1 With GammaTile, radiation begins at the time of surgery, targeting cancer cells immediately when they’re at their lowest levels to help prevent regrowth.1

GammaTiles are placed near the end of brain tumor removal surgery, directly in the area where the brain tumor was removed. Treatment begins immediately, without the typical 2-6 week delay needed for healing before starting traditional external radiation. Once placed, GammaTile delivers focused radiation over several weeks, targeting remaining cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy brain tissue.1

Yes. GammaTile is FDA-cleared for patients with:

  • Newly diagnosed malignant (cancerous) brain tumors
  • Recurrent brain tumors

GammaTile is designed for patients with operable, malignant (cancerous) brain tumors, including:

  • Glioblastomas (newly diagnosed and recurrent)
  • Brain metastases (newly diagnosed and recurrent)
  • Meningiomas (recurrent)

Together, you and your care team can determine whether GammaTile is right for your condition.

Traditional external beam radiation therapies deliver radiation from machine sources outside the body and require a 2-6 week treatment delay for surgical healing because the radiation must pass through healthy and healing brain tissue. Alternatively, GammaTile delivers immediate, precise radiation at the tumor site at the time of surgery – without the use of machines.

By delivering radiation immediately, GammaTile is able to fight the remaining tumor cells, minimizing the risk of regrowth prior to radiation treatment. Additionally, this localized delivery minimizes exposure to healthy tissue, thereby reducing the potential damage and side effects associated with traditional radiation treatments.3-5

Yes. GammaTile is FDA-cleared, has been used in over 1,500 procedures and is supported by ongoing research through GammaTile clinical trials.2 There have been multiple studies published regarding the safety profile of GammaTile.6-13

Each GammaTile is a small, absorbable collagen tile that contains tiny radioactive seeds sealed in titanium. These seeds begin delivering radiation immediately after surgery, directly to the area where your tumor was removed.

The radiation gradually lessens over time and becomes undetectable about 6 months after surgery. The collagen tile naturally dissolves on its own and does not need to be removed.

You’ll be given a GammaTile Patient Identification Card to carry for 6 months, in case you need to alert healthcare providers or authorities (like TSA) that you have an implanted medical device.14

No. Most patients resume normal activities within two weeks, following safety instructions from their healthcare team.15 GammaTile continues to deliver radiation during your recovery, without delaying healing.1,14

Hair loss is uncommon with GammaTile.14 Because it delivers radiation directly at the tumor site and spares radiation through the scalp and surrounding healthy tissue, the risk of hair loss is significantly lower than with traditional external beam radiation.14 On average, only 1 in 80 people treated with GammaTile lose some hair.14

GammaTile adds little to no additional surgical risks to standard brain tumor removal surgery.10 Your surgeon and care team will explain the common risks associated with brain tumor removal surgery.

No. GammaTile is placed at the time of tumor removal surgery and does not require post-procedure hospital visits to receive additional GammaTile radiation treatment.

Depending on your specific case, GammaTile may reduce or eliminate the need for additional external beam radiation to the treated area. There are instances where GammaTile and external beam radiation may both be used. Your care team will determine your treatment plan based on your diagnosis and overall health.

No. GammaTile does not affect your ability to complete post-surgical rehabilitation. GammaTile will continue to deliver radiation and fight tumor growth throughout your rehabilitation and recovery.

There are no travel restrictions with GammaTile. However, please consult with your physician to determine your individual fitness to travel.15 You’ll be given a GammaTile Patient Identification Card to carry for 6 months, in case you need to alert travel authorities (like TSA) that you have an implanted medical device.15

While GammaTile is unlikely to trigger airport radiation detectors, please be prepared to present your GammaTile Patient Identification card to airport security personnel for 6 months post-surgery.15

Yes. You may receive an MRI with GammaTile. Present your GammaTile Patient Identification card to healthcare providers before receiving an MRI so they are aware of your implant and can follow the instructions for use regarding receiving an MRI with GammaTile.15

GammaTile does not make bodily fluids, bedding, or medical equipment radioactive.15

Due to the radiation sources, the following postsurgical precautions are generally recommended during the first few weeks to minimize radiation exposure to family members, visitors, caregivers and the general public:15

First two weeks after GammaTile implantation:

  • Sleep alone.
  • Limit close contact with others to no more than SIX HOURS per day within 3 feet (~1 meter).

First three weeks after GammaTile implantation:

  • Avoid prolonged, close contact with infants, children, and pregnant individuals.
  • Limit time spent in crowded public spaces to reduce radiation exposure.

Your healthcare team will review safety instructions with you after surgery.

There are instances where GammaTile has been used again for tumors that have grown back after previous treatment with GammaTile.16 Your care team can help determine whether GammaTile is the right option for you.

GammaTile is covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans, ensuring accessible treatment for patients across various settings.

Yes. There are ongoing clinical trials to further research GammaTile for brain tumors. Visit our GammaTile clinical trials page for more information.

GammaTile placement is a coordinated effort within your brain tumor care team. Ask a member of your care team, such as your radiation oncologist or neurosurgeon, if GammaTile is the right option for you.

GammaTile is available at many leading brain tumor treatment centers across the country. To find a center near you, visit our GammaTile Center Locator.

Treatment centers designated as a GammaTile Center of Excellence (COE) have demonstrated an exceptional level of clinical expertise and experience in the procedure. To achieve this COE designation, doctors and their institutions must meet annual criteria that establishes their contributions to advancements in therapy, commitment to improving patient outcomes, and dedication to supporting patient education.

When searching for a GammaTile center near you, look for the COE icon that represents this prestigious designation.

Next: Learn about ongoing GammaTile Clinical Trials..

Learn about GammaTile for brain tumors or
find a GammaTile center near you.
* GammaTile is indicated as a treatment for patients with newly diagnosed malignant (cancerous) brain tumors and patients with recurrent brain tumors.
REFERENCES: 1. Garcia MA, et al. J Neurooncol. 166:203-212 (2024). 2. Data on file. GT Medical Technologies, Inc. 3. Schiff D, et al. Neuro Oncol.. 17(4):488-504 (2015). 4. Barisano G, et al. Neurographics. 8(3):167-187 (2018). 5. Phillips GS, et al. JAMA Dermatol. 156(9):963-972 (2020). 6. Kutuk T, et al. Brachytherapy. 22(6):872-881 (2023). 7. Dharnipragada R, et al. Neurooncol Adv. 5(1):vdad062 (2023). 8. Imber BS, et al. J Neurooncol. 159(3):609-618 (2022). 9. Nakaji P, et al. Cureus. 12(11):e11570 (2020). 10. Yekula A, et al. J Neurooncol. 166(3):441-450 (2024). 11. Gessler DJ, et al. Neurooncol Adv. 4(1):1-11 (2022). 12. Smith N, et al. Neuro Oncol. 24(S6):S4-S15 (2022). 13. Brachman DG, et al. J Neurosurg. 131(6):1819-1828 (2018). 14. Gessler DJ, et al. Future Oncol. 16(30):2445-2455 (2020). 15. GammaTile Patient Safety Instructions (MKT-198). 16. Zhang S, et al. J Neurooncol. 169(1):11-23 (2024).
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