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Queensland patients will have greater access to complex brain care this year when Icon opens a new cancer centre in partnership with Brisbane's Herston Private Hospital.
It will be the first private clinic in the state to offer Gamma Knife treatment, and just the fourth facility in Australia.
The 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 has been called a game-changer for treating conditions such as cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumours, vascular abnormalities, and certain neurological disorders.
Patients benefit from shorter recovery times, better treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.
"The Gamma Knife allows us to treat even the most complex brain conditions with unparalleled precision," said Icon Group's Deputy Director Radiation Oncology (Australia and New Zealand), Associate Professor Matthew 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."
A/Prof Foote, who specialises in brain cancers, said the technology was effective in managing hard-to-treat and small tumours, while minimising side-effects and sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
"Growing evidence and indications support the use of more less-invasive brain treatment – there is a need to increase access to this type of care," he said.
"This centre will provide Queensland patients with more choice and greater access, giving them back more valuable time with their loved ones."
Icon is Australia's leading comprehensive cancer care provider, with more than 30 sites nationwide.
The Herston cancer centre is due to open by the end of 2025.
"The new centre reflects Icon's commitment to bringing world-class treatments to more people and highlights our excellence in cancer care," Icon Group CEO Mark Middleton said.
"We look forward to further investing in Gamma Knife technology* to deliver improve patient outcomes for people across Australia's eastern seaboard and elevate Australia's oncology landscape."
Herston Private Hospital is located in Bowen Hills, in Brisbane's inner north-eastern suburbs.
It is based in a $100 million 10-storey building in the heart of the city's health precinct, which completed construction in 2022.
Read more: Georgina Whelan – Icon Cancer Centre Townsville
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