The CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System is the most clinically accurate robotic radiosurgery system in the world treating tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy. The CyberKnife® System treats patients in single or fractionated (typically 2-5) sessions by delivering multiple beams of precisely directed radiation that converge upon the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Clinicians also have the potential to target multiple tumors at different locations during a single treatment.

The CyberKnife® System is the only radiosurgery system with a compact 6-MV X-band linear accelerator and a multi-jointed manipulator that enables unlimited beam positions - the greatest flexibility of approach available in any radiosurgery system, providing increased access to tumors anywhere in the body.

What is stereotactic radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-surgical treatment using very focused beams of radiation on small and previously inaccessible tumors or lesions deep within the body. Because the radiation beams enter the body from many different angles and all focus directly on the tumor or lesion, the surrounding healthy cells and important structures (blood vessels, nerves, etc.) are spared.

What is the difference between conventional radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery?
Conventional radiation therapy (radiotherapy) administers a broad beam of radiation from one or two directions through normal tissues and requires between 10 and 20 treatments to complete. Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers highly focused beams from many directions so that the normal tissues experience less radiation and the treatment can be completed in only one to three sessions.

What are the steps in the Treatment Process?
The CyberKnife® uses a miniature linear accelerator (LINAC) mounted on a robotic arm to deliver concentrated beams of radiation to the targeted tumor from multiple positions and angles. Through the use of image guidance cameras similar to those used for cruise missile guidance, the CyberKnife® system locates the position of the tumor in the body and uses its robotic arm to deliver highly focused beams of radiation that converge at the tumor. Thus, the tumor receives a cumulative dose of radiation high enough to control or kill the tumor cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The CyberKnife® is the only system available which can also compensate for patient movement to ensure highly accurate delivery of radiation during treatment. The CyberKnife® procedure is a straightforward, four-step process, from preparation through follow-up. It's an outpatient procedure, and most patients may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Step 1: Preparation (Prep work is often done prior to the scheduled procedure date.)
Making a Mask or Body Mold
A mask (for treating brain tumors) or a body mold will be made and used to minimize patient movement during the treatment. The process is simple and painless.

CT Scan
A CT Scan will be taken prior to the CyberKnife® procedure. The surgeon and radiation oncologist will use the scan to identify the exact size, shape and location of the tumor to be targeted along with the surrounding vital structures that need to be avoided.

Step 2: Treatment Planning
Once the CT Scan is performed and the results are studied, physicians will use the CyberKnife® system's advanced software to determine the amount, intensity and direction of the radiation beams the root will deliver to the target. The system is very careful to ensure that a sufficient dose is administered to destroy the tumor without damaging the adjacent normal tissue.

Physicians have the option to choose Forward or Inverse Treatment Planning, depending on each patient's unique situation, including tumor location and proximity to critical structures.

Step 3: The Treatment
Arriving
Come to the CyberKnife® vault on the lower level of the Batte Cancer Center one hour prior to your appointment. Bring any x-rays you may have with you to the hospital. Wear comfortable clothing and no jewelry.

Positioning
During the CyberKnife® procedure, you will need to lie still on the treatment table. Generally, no sedation or anesthesia is used.

Treatment, Verification & Targeting
The treatment itself involves the administration of numerous radiation beams delivered from different directions. Prior to the delivery of each radiation beam, the image guidance system takes x-ray images and compares them to the original CT scan. This information is used to precisely position the robotic arm to ensure the radiation is targeted directly at the tumor while avoiding critical structures. The treatment is painless.

Completion
Most patients can leave the hospital and resume normal activity right after treatment.

Step 4: Follow-up
Follow-up imaging is generally performed to monitor the tumor. Your doctor will determine your follow-up schedule based on the results of your procedure.