HMH Neuroscience Institute to unveil 1st-in-world brain tumor treatment option today

The Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris ZAP-X Center for Noninvasive Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute of Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune on Thursday will debut a first-in-the-world treatment for brain tumors.

The institute will be the first in the Northeast to use ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery for treatment of brain tumors and other conditions of the head and neck. More impressively, it will be the first in the world pairing of ZAP-X with Synaptive MRI.

This pairing of technologies will markedly reduce time from diagnosis to treatment.

The state-of-the-art technology is set to begin treating patients in September at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, thanks to a significant gift from Mary Ellen Harris and the Golden Dome Foundation.

Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Bob Garrett is thrilled the system can make the announcement Thursday morning.

“Having the latest advancements in technology to treat our patients is part of how Hackensack Meridian Health keeps getting better,” he said.

“The addition of ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery and Synaptive MRI in our network allows us to continue to offer the best care to the communities we serve throughout New Jersey. The first-in-the-world pairing of technologies furthers our network as a health care leader and destination for care.”

The hospital will hold a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. to mark the unveiling.

Garrett will be joined by:

  • Dr. Kenneth Sable, regional president, Southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health;
  • Dr. Shabbar Danish, chair of neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center;
  • Dr. Timothy Chen, medical director, CNS radiation oncology program, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and medical director, proton therapy department of radiation oncology, Hackensack Meridian Health.