Gentlemen (and ladies), choose your weapons: Gamma knife vs. linear accelerator radiosurgery

Abstract

This article compares and contrasts Gamma Knife radiosurgery with linear accelerator-based radiosurgery; where appropriate, Cyberknife technology is discussed. Topics covered are: positioning of the head (invasive versus non-invasive positioning systems); collimator construction; beam properties; beam arrangements; treatment planning; and issues regarding manpower (including a discussion of patient repositioning during treatment), machine availability, and financial considerations.