Apollo Hospitals Introduces ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery Platform for Brain Tumor Treatment

The approach claims to redefine precision through minimal radiation exposure, aiming to set new standards in effectiveness and patient comfort.

Apollo Hospitals, a leading healthcare group, has unveiled the ZAP-X gyroscopic radiosurgery platform for the treatment of brain tumors.

The hospital group claims to be the first in South Asia to introduce this innovative technology designed to offer a non-invasive, pain-free alternative for patients.

Sharing thoughts, Prathap Chandra Reddy, founder & chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, "We have unveiled ZAP-X, an innovative technology designed for the treatment of brain tumors. This new approach allows for non-invasive, pain-free sessions lasting 30 minutes, with minimal exposure to radiation. ZAP-X also comes with advanced safety protocols, including instant error detection and reduced radiation leakage, that ensure the patient's well-being and quality of life post-treatment."

He further stated that Apollo is committed to making this technology widely available, addressing brain tumors with a new approach, and ensuring accessibility for patients across geographies.

Computer-Controlled Radiosurgery Platform

ZAP-X is a computer-controlled machine specifically designed to deliver radiation to target areas in the brain. The technology promises a paradigm shift in the treatment of brain tumors, providing patients with a non-invasive, pain-free alternative, with each session lasting just 30 minutes.

The approach claims to redefine precision through minimal radiation exposure, aiming to set new standards in effectiveness and patient comfort.

The Chennai-headquartered healthcare major highlighted the unique features of ZAP-X, emphasizing its self-shielded, gyroscopic linear accelerator design. This design allows ZAP-X to direct radiosurgical beams from thousands of potential angles, accurately focusing radiation on the intended tumor or target.

The technology aims to enhance patient outcomes by avoiding critical structures such as the brain stem, eyes, and optic nerves while significantly minimizing exposure to healthy brain tissue, thereby safeguarding a patient's cognitive function.

Clinical Capabilities & Applications

ZAP-X's clinical capabilities enable neurologists and neurosurgeons to treat various conditions including primary and metastatic brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trigeminal neuralgias, movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and other intracranial lesions.

ZAP-X technology claims to offer several key advantages. Firstly, it offers a non-invasive approach, allowing the treatment of certain types of brain tumors without surgical intervention.

Moreover, the ZAP-X technology promises a pain-free experience for patients undergoing treatment. The design prioritizes minimizing discomfort, contributing to a more patient-friendly approach to medical interventions.

The system is frameless, incorporating real-time image guidance for pinpoint accuracy. This helps to reduce treatment durations and claims to enhance overall patient safety. The emphasis on precision is crucial in the effective treatment of brain tumors.

According to the company, the technology boasts a control rate exceeding 95% over ten years, with minimal side effects.

Talking more about it, John R. Adler, founder & CEO of Zap Surgical & professor, Neurosurgery at Stanford School of Medicine, said, "Stereotactic radiosurgery is among the most important medical advancements of the past century. Eligible patients no longer must experience debilitating surgical resections or potentially lose cognitive capacity by undergoing whole-brain radiotherapy. Instead, with ZAP-X radiosurgery, patients can now be quickly treated in an outpatient setting and often return to normal activities the same day with no incisions and no pain."

Traditional brain surgeries typically last 3-4 hours, requiring 4-7 days or more of hospitalization and anesthesia. In contrast, ZAP-X completes treatment within a single session lasting no more than 30 minutes.

The day-care procedure enables patients to return home post-treatment, offering a significant advancement in the approach to brain tumor treatment.

In another development, Apollo Cancer Centre unveiled the AI-Precision Oncology Centre (POC) in Bengaluru. This center aims to provide swift and accurate treatment options for oncologists, patients, and caregivers, harnessing the power of AI.