Icon Cancer Centre Herston is the first privately-owned provider of a Gamma Knife service in the state, only the second of its kind in Queensland and the fourth available nationwide, expanding access to one of the most advanced, non-invasive brain treatment technologies available.
Icon opens first private Gamma Knife centre in Brisbane
Icon Cancer Centre Australia has opened its first Gamma Knife centre in Brisbane, providing world-class care to Queensland patients with a range of complex brain, skull base and neurological conditions.
Gamma Knife technology uses highly focused radiation beams to precisely target and treat brain lesions and other neurologic diseases without the need for traditional invasive surgery.
It is a game-changer for treating conditions such as cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumours, vascular abnormalities, and certain neurological disorders, reducing recovery times and improving treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.
Expanding access to world-class treatment
Icon’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer and internationally renowned Radiation Oncologist, A/Prof Matthew Foote specialises in brain cancers and says this technology elevates care for more people suffering from brain cancer and other neurological conditions.
“The Gamma Knife allows us to treat even the most complex brain conditions with unparalleled precision,” says A/Prof Foote.
“It uses sub-millimetre precision doses of radiation to directly target tumours and can accurately treat a range of conditions usually in one to five treatments.”
“It is also effective in managing hard to treat and small tumours, while minimising side effects and sparing surrounding healthy tissue.”
“Growing evidence supports the use of less invasive brain treatments, highlighting the need to expand access to these options. This centre will offer Queensland patients more choice and better access, helping them spend valuable time with their loved ones.”
Most Gamma Knife patients only require one to five treatment sessions, compared to other traditional radiotherapy, which can be up to 30 treatment sessions.
Putting patients at the centre of care
Calamvale resident, Jeff Attewell is one of the first patients to undergo Gamma Knife treatment at Icon Cancer Centre Herston.
In 2019, Jeff (63) was diagnosed with a meningioma, a non-cancerous brain tumour, which can cause headaches, seizures or vision changes due to pressure on the brain.
Treatment options range from monitoring to surgery and radiotherapy, with a generally good prognosis for benign cases, like Jeff’s.
Jeff’s medical team had been monitoring his meningioma for six years, however, when an MRI last year revealed the tumour had grown, Jeff was advised to consider further treatment options.
“It was suggested that Gamma Knife would be a good treatment option for me, as a non-invasive way to shrink and stop the growth of my tumour,” says Jeff.
“(A/Prof) Matt Foote was very comprehensive in talking me through what the Gamma Knife treatment involved, so I felt confident that it was the right option for me.”
Jeff underwent five Gamma Knife treatments at the start of February. He will undergo an MRI in August to see the outcome of the treatment.
Jeff says due to the non-invasive nature of the treatment, he did not experience significant side effects.
“I did have a good sleep after a couple of the treatments but overall, I felt fine. I was able to mow the lawn, clean the gutters and play 18 holes of golf in the days after my last treatment,” says Jeff.
“I actually found the treatments to be rather relaxing. The staff played music during each treatment, and I spent the time singing along in my head.”
Jeff and his wife Jenny, who have travelled throughout Australia, are now planning to see more of the world.
“By having this treatment, Jenny and I can continue to travel, and spend precious time with our children and grandchildren.”
This centre marks a continued investment in world-class cancer technologies, highlighting Icon’s leading integrated care model and increasing access to highly specialised radiotherapy treatments. Icon will open its second Gamma Knife centre in Victoria in mid-2026 and another in New South Wales in partnership with Macquarie University Health.
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