Cyberknife Radiotherapy

The CyberKnife is a technologically advanced piece of robotic radiotherapy equipment used to treat cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. According to CyberKnife manufacturer Accuray Incorporated, the noninvasive procedure accurately delivers beams of high-dose radiation directly to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

Treatment Process

• Prior to treatment, information provided by a CT scan indicating the precise location, size and shape of a patient's tumor is programmed into the CyberKnife System computer and a treatment plan is developed. During treatment, the patient lies on a treatment table while the computer-controlled CyberKnife delivers radioactive beams to the tumor in a crossfire fashion, striking it from various angles and directions. Image-guided cameras fixated on the tumor ensure pinpoint accuracy.

Treatment Length

• According to Georgetown University Hospital, most treatment plans require one to five sessions. Treatments involving the brain, spine or neck typically take two hours. Soft tissue tumor treatments usually last between one and two hours.

Benefits

• In addition to being noninvasive and painless, the CyberKnife allows treatment of inoperable or surgically complex tumors. Since the treatment is not surgical, there is no incision, blood loss, recovery time or overnight hospitalization. Accuracy is not affected by subtle patient movements, eliminating the need for uncomfortable breath holding and head or body frames.