Precision treatment advances cancer care with new non-invasive technology

Chris Curry3 min read1 month ago
In this photo, you see men and women standing in front of a balloon arch. Two of the men are holding large scissors and cutting a purple ribbon during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Elekta Esprit Gamma Knife system.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University 6/9/26 3:05:42 PM

Wellstar MCG Health and the Georgia Cancer Center have begun treating patients using the new Elekta Esprit Gamma Knife, the latest state-of-the-art system for non-invasive treatment of neurological and oncologic conditions. The new technology provides patients with the gold standard for non-invasive brain tumor and cancer treatments, underscoring Wellstar and the Georgia Cancer Center’s dedication to innovation and patient-centered care.

In this photo, you see Dr. Chulhaeng Huh, a man, standing in front of the Elekta Esprit Gamma Knife system. Dr. Huh is pointing at the machine with his right hand while sharing information about the system during a tour.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University, 6/9/26 3:30:23 p.m.)

The Gamma Knife Esprit delivers highly precise radiation therapy – to within 0.15 mm accuracy – which allows physicians to better treat complex or previously inoperable conditions while preserving surrounding healthy brain matter without the need for traditional surgery. This advanced technology minimizes risk, reduces recovery times, and offers hope to patients who may not be candidates for more traditional procedures.

“Bringing the Gamma Knife Esprit to Augusta and the CSRA represents a transformative leap in neurosurgical care for our region,” said Fernando Vale, MD chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Wellstar MCG Health and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University. “With its pinpoint accuracy and utmost precision, we can treat many complex neurological conditions. This incisionless technique can help us manage many illnesses of the brain including facial pain and very difficult brain tumors while preserving quality of life and reducing patient discomfort.”

In this photo, you see a group of people standing around the Elekta Esprit Gamma Knife machine.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University, 6/9/26 3:29:59 p.m.)
In this photo, you see Dr. Ralph Turner, a man, standing in front of a microphone and lectern giving a speech during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University, 6/9/26 2:43:47 p.m.)
In this photo, you see Dr. Ralph Turner, a man, standing in front of a microphone and lectern giving a speech during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. You also see a crowd of people listening to Dr. Turner's speech. Some of the people in the crowd are sitting and others are standing.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University, 6/9/26 2:38:44 p.m.)
In this photo, you see Dr. John Barrett, a man, standing in front of a microphone and lectern giving a speech during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University, 6/9/26 2:52:42 p.m.)
In this photo, you see Dr. Fernando Vale, a man, standing in front of a microphone and lectern giving a speech during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University, 6/9/26 2:58:14 p.m.)
In this photo, you see three, two men and one woman, standing and talking.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new gamma knife machine on the Augusta University Health Sciences campus in Augusta, Ga., Tuesday afternoon, June 9, 2026. (Photo by Michael Holahan/Augusta University, 6/9/26 2:43:47 p.m.)

Gamma Knife Esprit can target the smallest tumors and lesions with sub-millimeter precision – smaller than the size of a pencil tip – to treat brain lesions, tumors, and vascular abnormalities without incisions or general anesthesia. This non-invasive approach results in shorter hospital stays, fewer side effects, and faster recovery, making it a powerful resource for patients and their families.

John Barrett, MD, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at MCG, added, “This technology allows us to provide effective, non-invasive treatment options for patients with brain tumors, vascular malformations, and other neurological disorders. It’s a significant step forward for our patients and our clinical teams.”

“It is a privilege to serve our community by bringing leading-edge care to the CSRA,” said Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health. “This cutting-edge technology strengthens our Neuroscience Center of Excellence and the Georgia Cancer Center, but most importantly, it ensures that patients from across the region have access to world-class, non-invasive treatment options close to home.”

The addition of the Gamma Knife Esprit further reinforces Wellstar MCG Health’s position as a leader in advanced neurological and cancer care. Through continued investment in technology and partnerships, Wellstar MCG Health remains committed to excellence, innovation, and the well-being of every patient it serves.

Tagged as
Written by
Chris Curry

Chris Curry is the Communications and Marketing Manager for the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University. Contact him to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at 706-799-8841 or chrcurry@augusta.edu.

View all articles
Related articles

The Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University is dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer in Georgia and across the globe through superior care, innovation, and education. Through unprecedented expansion, the Georgia Cancer Center is providing access to more first-in-the-nation clinical trials, world-renowned experts and life-saving options.