Limitations of the CyberKnife

CyberKnife radiosurgery delivers very precise beams of radiation to eliminate benign or malignant tumors, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The decision to use CyberKnife certainly can provide advantages, but simply is not feasible for all patients. The optimal treatment plan for each patient may vary, depending several factors. Patients with advanced cancers may not always be ideal candidates. Medical staff members, such as oncologists or surgeons, serve as a valuable resource in determining suitable treatment.

Quantity and Size of Tumors

• Typically, a facility sets a limit on the number and size of the tumors requiring treatment, but each patient's case may be considered based on its own merit. If there are multiple tumors, each will need its own treatment plan. A greater amount of radiation may be required for large tumors, which in turn, must be reabsorbed by the body. Large amounts of necrotic, irradiated tissue may prove detrimental for the body to assimilate.

Characteristics of Tumors

• Often, a facility can provide a list of the types of tumors that respond positively to CyberKnife radiosurgery, but exclusion of a particular tumor from the list doesn't always preclude this type of treatment. However, the tumor must be delineated, or distinct, from nearby normal tissue. An excessive dose of radiation to healthy tissue can cause adverse health effects as well. It is necessary to consult a physician to determine eligibility based on tumor characteristics.

Prolonged Treatment Time

• Each treatment typically lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. If the radiation dose required is too large for one session, more treatments may be necessary. This is termed "fractionation," and allows the body a chance to repair the damage incurred from the radiation itself before exposing it to additional radiation. Therefore, if excision of the tumor or tumors is urgent, but also requires a large radiation dose, CyberKnife may not be the ideal treatment.

Cost

• CyberKnife surgery can actually be somewhat less expensive than traditional surgery, mainly because of the reduced hospitalization costs. However, this may vary depending on circumstances. Also, some insurance companies may not cover the cost of CyberKnife surgery. Sometimes insurance companies delay payment, which can result in the patient covering the costs initially, and being reimbursed only at a later date. Typically, facilities require either full payment or a significant down payment before services are rendered.