Some tumors may be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. This method 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 include CyberKnife and LINAC X. These allow doctors to deliver a precise dose of radiation just to the area of the tumor. Gamma knives have a lightweight linear accelerator attached to a robotic arm. This highly-specific therapy delivers deadly doses to tumor cells with a minimal effect on surrounding brain tissue.

Radiotherapy is usually used in addition to surgery, especially when the entire tumor cannot be removed.