A new treatment for brain tumors is available at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls starting early May.
Officials say the new technology is the first of its kind to be offered in the state.
The radiation technology treatment uses what is known as a ‘gamma knife.’ It is a non-invasive treatment for brain tumors. Before, patients seeking this form of treatment had to travel to Rochester Minnesota or Omaha.
Dr. David Kapaska is the regional president of Avera Mckennan. He says having 'gamma knife' radiation treatment available in Sioux Falls gives cancer patients options.
“When care needs to be more specialized, in this case inoperable brain tumors, we gave at least minimize the drive for our patients in this region by offering it in Sioux Falls. The gamma knife is not surgery, but it is the precision of surgery known as radio surgery," Kapaska said.
Kapaska says the new tool is just one of the possible treatments for brain tumors including traditional surgery, chemotherapy, and external radiation.