February 22, 2024- In a pioneering move, HCA Florida JFK Hospital is now offering GammaTile® Therapy, an FDA-cleared, Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT), for brain tumors. Neurosurgeon, Dr. Yehuda Herschman, and radiation oncologists Dr. Georges Hatoum, and Dr. Silvio Garcia successfully performed the first treatment on a patient in Palm Beach County earlier this month.
GammaTile Therapy, a cutting-edge approach to treating aggressive brain tumors, aims to delay tumor regrowth while safeguarding healthy brain tissue. “I am excited to offer this new treatment for brain tumor patients and look forward to partnering with local physicians for those who may be good candidates for this treatment,” expressed Dr. Herschman.
With over 200,000 annual diagnoses of aggressive brain tumors in the U.S., this surgically treated radiation therapy addresses the challenge of recurrence in resistant tumors. The FDA-cleared treatment is suitable for newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors, recurrent gliomas, glioblastomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases.
The postage-stamp-sized tile, embedded with small radiation sources, is implanted during brain tumor removal surgery, immediately targeting potential recurrence areas. This novel treatment improves local tumor control, potentially extending patients’ lives.
“We are proud to be the first in Palm Beach County to offer this innovative technique, providing new alternatives for patients fighting brain cancer,” remarked Dr. Hatoum.
Traditionally, patients with operable brain tumors undergo surgery followed by adjuvant therapy involving radiation and chemotherapy. This type of radiation therapy revolutionizes this by delivering targeted treatment over time, allowing patients to maintain their daily lives. The highly focused approach minimizes damage to healthy tissue, reducing side effects like hair loss.
Ken West, CEO of HCA Florida JFK Hospital, stated, “I am proud to lead a team of dedicated professionals, where we are committed to pioneering advancements in healthcare. The introduction of GammaTile® Therapy reflects our dedication to providing innovative treatments for brain tumor patients, offering hope and extending lives. We look forward to continued collaboration with local physicians to benefit our community.”
About HCA Florida JFK Hospital
Serving Palm Beach County for more than 50 years. HCA Florida JFK Hospital is a 516-bed acute care hospital, specializing in emergency services, heart and vascular surgery, neurosurgery, comprehensive cancer and breast institute services, comprehensive stroke services, orthopedic and spine surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, weight loss surgery, inpatient physical rehabilitation, and women’s services. We provide high quality, exceptional care to Atlantis residents and the surrounding communities.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. United as a statewide network in 2022, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,000 experienced doctors and more than 79,000 colleagues working together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care to more than 8.6 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provides more than $848.8 million in uncompensated care and contributes $2.1 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly-trained specialists, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.