With gamma knife, AIIMS takes aim at retinoblastoma
New Delhi: AIIMS performed its first-ever gamma knife radiation treatment for retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, on two young patients. The medical team anticipates receiving the outcomes within a couple of months and remains optimistic.Retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, typically occurs in children below five years.
This alternative treatment becomes relevant when conventional methods like chemotherapy fail to show results. The gamma knife technique utilises focused radiation beams to target the tumour specifically while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.Previously, the institute restricted this treatment to choroidal melanoma (eye tumour) cases in adults, with positive outcomes over 3-4 years. The extension of this treatment to retinoblastoma marks a significant development.According to prof of Ophthalmology, Dr Bhavna Chawla, this application of gamma knife radiation for retinoblastoma could be unprecedented in India. Despite pending outcomes, this development shows potential. Dr Chawla elaborated that in cases where both eyes were affected, resulting in one eye's removal, parents sought to save vision in the remaining eye.
Gamma knife treatment
presented a viable option for vision preservation.
Two patients, aged 6-7 years, received this therapy.She further explained that gamma knife treatment requires only one day. Patients arrive in the morning, receive treatment, and return home by evening. Though not surgical, it involves radiation, with follow-up examinations under general anaesthesia to assess tumour response and determine subsequent steps.Globally, only one published paper from Russia exists on this specific application of gamma knife for retinoblastoma.
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If successful, the AIIMS cases could lead to new treatment protocols and research publication.Doctors indicated that both intra-arterial chemotherapy and gamma knife treatments are accessible through the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Intra-arterial chemotherapy sessions cost between Rs 75,000 and Rs 1 lakh each, requiring 3-4 sessions. In contrast, gamma knife radiation, costing Rs 75,000, requires only one session. However, indications for gamma knife treatment are currently limited to those cases that failed conventional forms of treatment.According to Dr Deepak Agrawal, neurosurgeon at AIIMS, gamma knife represents a specialised radiation therapy utilising concentrated gamma rays for treating tumours and brain lesions. He said that amongst radiotherapy methods, gamma knife demonstrates exceptional precision, particularly for brain and eye treatments. Currently, operating theatre schedules are being adjusted to accommodate paediatric cases, as the procedure requires coordination between ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, anaesthetists, and access to the gamma knife unit.
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