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Melbourne cancer patients will soon have greater access to world-leading precision oncology care at Epworth Richmond.
The private hospital has partnered with Icon Cancer Centre Richmond to create Victoria's second Gamma Knife facility – and the first run by a private health service.
It will expand access to leading cranial stereotactic treatment and advanced radiation therapy techniques at Epworth HealthCare, and is due to open in mid-2026.
"Epworth patients will benefit from an expanded range of treatment options available in one location," said Nick Hall, Director of Epworth Neurosciences Clinical Institute.
"This new non-invasive therapy enhances recovery and supports improved patient outcomes."
Gamma Knife technology uses highly-focused radiation beams to precisely target and treat brain lesions and other neurologic diseases when neurosurgery is not possible, or when the combination of surgery and radiosurgery gives the best outcomes for the patient.
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.
Radiation oncologist Dr Neda Haghighi, a senior neuro-oncology specialist at Icon Cancer Centre, said the advanced non-invasive technology would elevate care for more people suffering from brain cancer and other neurological conditions.
"The Gamma Knife enables us to treat highly-complex brain conditions with exceptional accuracy," she said.
"Using sub-millimetre beams of radiation, we can precisely target even the most difficult to treat brain tumours and other abnormalities while minimising side-effects often associated with other treatment options.
"This further investment in non-invasive brain therapies expands on our longstanding and extensive neuro-radiation oncology program at Icon Cancer Centre, Epworth Richmond and will offer patients more convenient care and increased access to advanced treatments, and ultimately more time spent with their loved ones."
Most patients only require one to five treatment sessions, and in many cases, treatment can start on the same day as planning, reducing hospital visits.
Mr Hall, a skull base neurosurgeon, said the technology was a vital component of managing patients with conditions such as acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, chondrosarcoma and trigeminal neuralgia.
"This complements surgical treatment options. We are proud to collaborate with Icon at Epworth, ensuring our patients have access to comprehensive, world-leading healthcare all in one place," he said.
It will be Icon's second Gamma Knife clinic after the Brisbane facility expected to open by the end of 2025 in partnership with Herston Private Hospital, and the fifth in Australia overall.
"This complements our ongoing investment in the latest technologies and precision oncology to ensure more people have greater choice and access to world-class care," Icon Group CEO Mark Middleton said.
"Together we're elevating Australia's oncology landscape and addressing one of the nation's growing healthcare concerns."
Read more: 'Unparalleled precision' in brain care
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