Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram unveils South Asia’s First Gamma Knife Esprit, Revolutionising Brain Tumour Treatment

• Non-Surgical, Painless and highly precise, single session with same day discharge
• Gold standard for brain radiosurgery with best-in-class patient outcomes

Gurugram, 13th June 2024: Fortis Memorial Research Institute proudly announces the launch of the South Asia’s First Gamma Knife Esprit. This groundbreaking version of the Leksell Gamma Knife® heralds a new era in the non-surgical high precision treatment of brain tumours, greatly enhancing therapeutic options for both malignant, benign brain tumours and other abnormalities of Brain.

The Gamma Knife employs computer-guided precision to target brain tumours without actual cutting, making it an optimal choice for treating both malignant and benign tumours, including multiple brain metastases, meningiomas, acoustic tumours, and pituitary adenomas. Its precision is crucial for tumours in sensitive or hard-to-reach brain areas with sparing healthy brain tissues and allows patients to return to daily activities almost immediately. Further, radiation therapy for multiple brain metastasis requires almost 30 sessions, in contrast, Gamma Knife radiosurgery consolidates the entire treatment into a single session with same day discharge, making the treatment swift and efficient. Additionally, Gamma Knife can treat multiple metastasis in a single session irrespective of metastatic lesions involved, a benefit not offered by other technologies. This method significantly minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissues, preserving motor, sensory nerve and neurocognitive function enabling rapid recovery and improved healthy quality of life after treatment. Thus, Gamma Knife radiosurgery is considered as the gold standard for brain radiosurgery worldwide. The procedure can be performed using either frame-based or frameless methods, for personalized care for the patients with comfortable treatment experience and is followed by stereotactic MRI to ensure precise treatment delivery.

Fortis Healthcare has introduced Gamma Knife technology, a time-tested, reliable method with extensive clinical validation and high confidence among clinicians and patients across India and worldwide. This integrated and efficient system boasts a guaranteed accuracy of 0.3 mm, delivering doses to healthy brain tissue that are 2–4x lower than other technologies, with 2–21x lower extracranial doses. This highest accuracy and precision in Gamma knife reduces toxicities and side effects to normal brain. Gamma Knife ensures high success rate for controlling brain tumours and other brain conditions with minimal side effects. Gamma Knife radiosurgery boasts an impressive track record with a control rate surpassing 95% over a span of 10 years, providing reassuring long-term relief.

Dr. Sandeep Vaishya, Director Neurosurgery, Fortis Gurgaon, said “The launch of South Asia’s first Gamma Knife Esprit at our facility marks a significant milestone in the field of neurosurgery. This advanced technology brings a level of precision to neurosurgical procedures that was previously unattainable, targeting brain tumours with pinpoint accuracy. The Gamma Knife Esprit minimizes the radiation exposure to healthy tissues which is crucial for reducing potential side effects. This capability allows us to enhance patient safety and comfort significantly, thus optimizing the recovery process. By drastically cutting down recovery times, we are not only improving clinical outcomes but also enhancing the overall patient experience. This is a step forward in our ongoing effort to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medical treatment and patient care.”

Anil Vinayak, Group COO, Fortis Healthcare, elaborated on the broader vision of Fortis as a leader in comprehensive cancer care: “Deploying the first Gamma Knife Esprit in South Asia is a testament to Fortis Healthcare’s commitment in integrating cutting-edge technologies in neurosurgery and holistic cancer care. Our commitment extends beyond just offering advanced treatments; it encompasses providing comprehensive care that enhances the overall patient journey and outcomes. This initiative is another step in reinforcing our position at the forefront of medical innovation and patient-centric care across the region.”

Mr. Jan Thesleff, Amabassador of Sweden to India, who is the Chief Guest at the inauguration, said, “As the Chief Guest at the launch of the most advanced Gamma Knife Esprit at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurgaon, I am deeply honoured to witness the pioneering collaboration between Swedish companies like Elekta and India’s leading healthcare chain, Fortis Healthcare. This landmark introduction of precision radiosurgery technology, the first of its kind in South Asia, underscores the transformative impact of our partnership and FMRI’s dedication to advancing healthcare excellence. Swedish companies are renowned for their leadership in healthcare innovation, and through initiatives like this, we are collectively bridging gaps in advanced medical treatments, ensuring patients in the region have access to cutting-edge care. Our continued collaboration between Sweden and India, particularly with Fortis Healthcare, is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare. I eagerly anticipate the continued success of our partnerships and the delivery of sustainable healthcare solutions for all.”

The Department of Neurosurgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram offers a comprehensive range of services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. These services include a wide spectrum of brain surgeries, ranging from intracranial tumours, skull base surgery, and deep brain stimulation surgery to brain aneurysm and AVMs (endovascular/surgery), epilepsy surgery, head injury, stroke, endoscopic surgery, and hydrocephalus surgery. Additionally, the department provides various spine surgeries, including cervical and lumbar disc surgeries, degenerative spine surgeries, surgeries for spine tumours, spinal tuberculosis, spinal injuries, and fractures. These procedures are performed using image guidance and intraoperative imaging, with many surgeries conducted through keyhole incisions. The department boasts a dedicated and highly qualified team of neurosurgeons, neuro-anaesthetists, intensive care specialists, and related technical support staff.

Equipped with the latest technology and equipment, the department ensures successful procedures and promotes speedy recovery with minimal discomfort for patients. The addition of Gamma Knife technology reaffirms Fortis’s commitment to leading innovations that revolutionise lives.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 28 healthcare facilities, 4,500+ operational beds (including O&M facilities) and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs ~23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.