Radiation therapy uses a highly-focused dose of radiation directed at a small area of the brain tumor. It requires specialized scanning equipment, and 3-dimensional imaging. Another name for this method is a gamma knife.

Gamma knife devices allow doctors to deliver a precise dose of radiation to the tumor, with a minimal effect on surrounding brain tissue.

Complications of radiation therapy may include:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Infertility
• Nausea and vomiting
• Other cancers
• Rashes
• Retarded bone growth in children
• Weight loss