How long does CyberKnife treatment last?
Your treatment generally lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. There are minimal side effects from CyberKnife treatment. The most common side effect is fatigue. Most of the time, patients are able to go back to their usual activities but will need someone to drive them home immediately after treatment.
How is CyberKnife used to treat cancer?
A qualified clinician then uses the CyberKnife software to generate a treatment plan to provide the desired radiation dose to the identified tumor location without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. You do not need to be present during this step in the process.
What is radiosurgery with CyberKnife?
Radiosurgery with CyberKnife makes patients feel better, because it destroys the tumour in a comfortable and efficient way, not affecting the quality of life. Radiosurgery with CyberKnife is a treatment on out-patient basis. After the procedure you can go home the same day and no hospital stay is required.
What happens during a Cyberknife procedure?
During a CyberKnife procedure, you will lie comfortably on the treatment table, which automatically positions you for your treatment. Anesthesia is not required, as the procedure is painless and noninvasive. Your treatment generally lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. There are minimal side effects from CyberKnife treatment.
An Effective, Less Disruptive Treatment Option
The CyberKnife System offers a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment option that delivers proven results for a wide range of cancers and metastases.
CyberKnife precision delivers a number of unique benefits to patients
By delivering a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor, CyberKnife treatment is proven to provide excellent long-term outcomes.
Learn More About Your CyberKnife Treatment
For additional information on what to expect before, during and after your CyberKnife treatment, please choose your cancer type:
How long does it take to get a cyberknife?
CyberKnife treatment can be completed in as little as 4-5 sessions over 1-2 weeks, compared to 30-40 sessions over 8-10 weeks with conventional radiation therapy.
What is a cyberknife?
The CyberKnife ® System CyberKnife uses an approach called stereotactic body radiation therapy ( SBRT ), delivering precise doses of radiation with extreme accuracy — and accounting for target motion in real-time. To achieve this level of accuracy and precision, the CyberKnife uses an image-guided ...
How long does it take for a man to recover from a prostate cancer surgery?
With CyberKnife treatment, the majority of men can continue normal activity during and immediately following treatment — compared to the typical requirement to limit normal activity for three to five weeks with traditional prostate cancer surgery. Importantly, patients treated with the CyberKnife System for prostate cancer reported a return to normal urinary and bowel function sooner than with other treatment options. 1
How many fiducial markers are needed for prostate cancer?
Approximately two weeks prior to treatment, a short outpatient procedure is required in which three to four tiny gold pellets – called fiducial markers – are implanted in the prostate. These fiducials are used in many SBRT procedures as imaging reference points so that the tumor can be tracked.
How long does a cyberknife treatment last?
The average session lasts less than an hour. During your session, you can listen to music or watch TV to help you relax as you lie comfortably.
How long does it take to get a cyberknife?
Most CyberKnife treatment sessions are completed in one to five appointments, typically over the course of 7 to 10 days. The number of sessions you need will depend on the type, location, stage and size of your tumor.
How does Cyberknife work?
If you’ve been told you have inoperable cancer, or if surgery just isn’t the right fit for you, CyberKnife may be an option.
What is the purpose of a CT scan for cancer?
Before your treatment begins, your doctor will perform a CT scan, which will be transferred to the CyberKnife system, along with any MRI, CT or PET scans you may have had. This will help create a 3D image to pinpoint the specific size and location of your tumor. Your radiation oncologist will use this information to build a unique treatment plan for you, determining precisely how to target the tumor while keeping the surrounding area healthy.
What is the treatment for cancer?
One such cancer treatment option is a new, non-invasive treatment called CyberKnife®. CyberKnife is a non-surgical treatment that can be used to treat inoperable or complex tumors using very precise doses of radiation anywhere in the body.
What is the most advanced treatment for tumors?
The CyberKnife system is the most advanced solution in treating tumors that tend to move throughout the course of a treatment session, such as in the lungs when a person breathes or in the prostate when a person moves or has bowel or bladder changes. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, CyberKnife accounts for these natural movements by aligning the beam of radiation not only to target the treatment area more accurately but to avoid healthy tissues.
What is cyberknife system?
The CyberKnife System is a non-invasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where radiation therapy is indicated. It is used to treat conditions throughout the body, including the prostate, lung, brain, spine, head and neck, liver, pancreas and kidney, and can be an alternative to surgery or for patients who have ...
What is a cyberknife?
The CyberKnife System is the only radiation delivery system which features a linear accelerator (linac) directly mounted on a robot to deliver the high-energy x-rays or photons used in radiation therapy.
What is the treatment for cancer?
Radiation therapy is a treatment option for many types of tumors throughout the body. Precise and accurate delivery of radiation to the tumor is key to killing cancerous cells while minimizing dose to healthy tissues. Accurate and precise delivery helps minimize irradiation of the healthy tissues surrounding tumors and potentially the risk of side effects, which may lead to better quality of life for the patient both during and after treatment.
How does tracking target movement help with radiation?
Tracking target movement — and synchronizing the delivery of radiation with that movement — helps to maximize treatment effectiveness, while minimizing dose to surrounding tissues, which can help reduce the incidence of side effects.
How long does a cyber knife procedure last?
Anesthesia is not required, as the procedure is painless and noninvasive. Your treatment generally lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.
How does Cyberknife work?
Following the scanning process, image data are digitally transferred to the CyberKnife system’s treatment-planning workstation. Here, the treating physician identifies the exact size, shape and location of the tumor. A qualified clinician then uses the CyberKnife software to generate a treatment plan to provide the desired radiation dose to the identified tumor location without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. You do not need to be present during this step in the process.
What imaging is used to determine tumor size?
Scanning. Prior to treatment with the CyberKnife System, you will undergo imaging procedures to determine the size, shape and location of the tumor. The process begins with a standard high-resolution CT scan. For certain tumors, other imaging techniques such as MRI, angiography or PET may also be used.
How to treat a syringe?
On your treatment day: 1 Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to the procedure. Most patients do not need to wear a hospital gown. 2 Before treatment, eat regularly and continue your usual activities. 3 Take all regularly prescribed medications before the treatment. 4 Please do not wear any jewelry to your treatment; four hours prior to treatment, please do not use any moisturizers, lotions, creams, powders, or deodorant on the area to be treated. 5 Bring a family member or friend with you on treatment day. He or she can wait in the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center’s Radiation Oncology waiting area while you are receiving your treatment.
When to return to the doctor after radiation?
You will return soon after your treatment for a follow-up visit with the doctors. Several months after treatment, you will see the doctors and have follow-up scans to check your response to the treatment. Follow-up imaging, generally performed with a combination of CT, MRI or PET scanning, is usually performed in the months following treatment to assess the tumor’s response to the delivered radiation.
Does Cyberknife cause fatigue?
The most common side effect is fatigue. Most of the time, patients are able to go back to their usual activities but will need someone to drive them home immediately after treatment. Members of our CyberKnife team can help you to arrange alternate transportation plans if needed.
How do I know if I can be treated with the CyberKnife?
You may be referred to a CyberKnife-trained physician who can evaluate your condition, as well as discuss other treatment options with you and your family. Physicians meet weekly to discuss cases being considered for CyberKnife treatment. You may be notified of the outcome of this review, and an appointment can be made to plan your individualized treatment.
What are the complications or side effects of CyberKnife radiosurgery?
Complications may occur but the frequency and severity are typically mild. The complications tend to relate to the region that is receiving treatment. There are symptoms that may occur regardless o fthe region receiving treatment. After treatment sometimes patients experience headaches or feel nauseated or tired. These symptoms are typically temporary. Uncommon complications may include skin reddening or vomiting. Delayed symptoms may include swelling, inflammation, or scarring in the treatment site or adjacent normal tissue regions. Specific side effects vary with the site that is being treated. We urge you to speak with your physician prior to proceeding with treatment.
How is the CyberKnife System Different from Other Stereotactic Radiosurgery Systems?
The CyberKnife system uses the combination of a robotics and image guidance to deliver concentrated and accurate beams of radiation to intracranial and extracranial targets, many of which are inoperable with sub- millimeter accuracy. The robotic arm is highly flexible, allowing access to tumors in difficult-to-reach locations.
What are the benefits of the CyberKnife?
There are many benefits to a CyberKnife procedure. It is non-invasive, does not require a headframe or painful Immobilization device and it is able to reach areas of the body previously thought untreatable. It is ideally suited for those who are unable to undergo surgery or who do not wish to risk surgery.
Who determines if CyberKnife is an appropriate treatment?
The CyberKnife is a unique modality and as such only a CyberKnife trained physician can best determine if it is appropriate treatment for a particular condition. An experienced CyberKnife physician can offer the best advice and discuss other treatment options with you and your family. It is not uncommon for cases to be dis- cussed with various physicians, including the patient’s primary doctor, before determining candidacy for CyberKnife treatment.
Is CyberKnife Treatment covered by Insurance?
The CyberKnife procedure, like other stereotactic radiosurgery, is generally covered by most insurance plans as well as Medicare. Because CyberKnife is new to our region, some insurance companies my not be familiar with our services. We ask all of our patients to share with us their insurance information as we can assist with obtaining pre-authorization to meet coverage requirements.
Are there CyberKnife patient organizations I can contact for more information?
The CyberKnife Patient Support Group, is a non-profit organization established in July 2001 and dedicated to helping others by sharing the personal experiences of patients who have undergone CyberKnife procedure. Note that the group has moved to a new home that has been redesigned and updated with new information and functionality. All of the old posts are also available (as read only) in the new Patient Forum under “Archived Posts”. Please visit to see what’s new!
What is Cyberknife ultrasound?
This will be similar to when you had your biopsy. CyberKnife will use the markers to track the tumor during treatment. Then you’ll need some imaging tests to assess the location, size, and shape of the tumor.
What is a cyberknife?
What is CyberKnife? CyberKnife is a brand name for a device that delivers stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). It’s a form of external beam radiation. It can be used to treat prostate cancer and other types of cancer. Although it contains the word “knife” and is sometimes referred to as “radiosurgery,” there’s no knife or incision.
How long does it take to complete SBRT?
SBRT allows for large doses in a specified area, so you can complete your treatment in a few days. By comparison, conventional radiation therapy takes as long as eight or nine weeks to complete.
How long does radiation therapy last?
This is a noninvasive, painless procedure. Each session will last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Once it’s over, you should be able to get up and resume your normal activities right away.
Is Cyberknife good for prostate cancer?
It’s a good option for early-stage or low-grade prostate cancer. CyberKnife may be a better choice if you can’ t have anesthesia or if your anatomy makes brachytherapy difficult. If you have treatment with CyberKnife, you may need other therapies as well.
What to do if you have cancer after SBRT?
If there’s still evidence of cancer after SBRT, your doctor will make some recommendations on the next steps.
Is there a knife in a SBRT?
Although it contains the word “knife” and is sometimes referred to as “radiosurgery,” there’s no knife or incision. SBRT is an image-guided technique of delivering high doses of radiation with extreme accuracy. The purpose is to kill cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy tissues and organs.
Preparing For Your Cyberknife Treatment
- Generally, you will have consultation appointments with both the surgeon and the radiation oncologist. The CyberKnife nurse coordinator will arrange for insurance preauthorizations and inform you of your dates for pretreatment tests. These tests may include blood work and a CT scan, MRI or PET scan. Men receiving prostate cancer radiation therapy can benefit from this ad…
Scanning
- Prior to treatment with the CyberKnife System, you will undergo imaging procedures to determine the size, shape and location of the tumor. The process begins with a standard high-resolution CT scan. For certain tumors, other imaging techniques such as MRI, angiography or PET may also be used.
Planning
- Following the scanning process, image data are digitally transferred to the CyberKnife system’s treatment-planning workstation. Here, the treating physician identifies the exact size, shape and location of the tumor. A qualified clinician then uses the CyberKnife software to generate a treatment plan to provide the desired radiation dose to the identified tumor location without da…
Treatment Delivery
- On your treatment day: 1. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to the procedure. Most patients do not need to wear a hospital gown. 2. Before treatment, eat regularly and continue your usual activities. 3. Take all regularly prescribed medications before the treatment. 4. Please do not wear any jewelry to your treatment; four hours prior to trea...
After Treatment and Follow-Up
- There are minimal side effects from CyberKnife treatment. The most common side effect is fatigue. Most of the time, patients are able to go back to their usual activities but will need someone to drive them home immediately after treatment. Members of our CyberKnife team can help you to arrange alternate transportation plans if needed. You will return soon after your treat…