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CyberKnife Radiosurgery
Treatment for:
A Patient’s Guide
· What is CyberKnife Radiosurgery?
CyberKnife Radiosurgery is a non-invasive, high-energy radiation treatment that delivers very precise beams of radiation from many angles outside the body. The accuracy of CyberKnife is so precise that radiation can be “matched” to the shape of small complex tumors, even those located near critical organs. This ability allows CyberKnife to treat many lesions including some considered inoperable or untreatable with surgery or other treatment options—giving many patients new hope.
· How does CyberKnife work?
A lightweight radiation delivery system, mounted on a flexible robotic arm, provides unparalleled access to tumors anywhere in the body. An image-guidance system uses bony landmarks or implanted markers to track the exact location of the tumor during treatment. This tracking system allows for patient movement and ensures precise and accurate radiation delivery while the patient rests comfortably on the treatment table.
· What are the advantages to CyberKnife?
o Painless treatment—There is no pain associated with radiation treatment delivered by the CyberKnife Radiosurgery System.
o Frameless—The ability of CyberKnife to correct for patient movement during treatment eliminates the pain and inconvenience associated with the rigid metal head frame used with other stereotactic techniques. Published studies have shown that frameless CyberKnife radiosurgery is as accurate—possibly more so—than traditional frame-based radiosurgery.
o Full body capability—CyberKnife’s unique design allows treatment of tumors or lesions throughout the body, and entirely new approach for radiosurgery. Radiation treatments can be administered to the brain and spine, as well as soft tissues such as the lungs, liver, kidneys and other organs.
o Outpatient treatment—The CyberKnife treatment greatly reduces the risk of complications and lengthy recovery time associated with traditional surgery. CyberKnife can also perform “staged” radiosurgery—where the total radiation dose is divided into two to five smaller doses over several days. This is particularly beneficial for treating larger tumors or those near sensitive areas, because it better protects surrounding tissue. After treatment, most patients can return home and resume normal activities.
· Other Considerations
o FDA approved—The CyberKnife System is approved by the FDA as a full-body stereotactic radiosurgery system.
o Medicare covered—Treatments are covered by Medicare and most private insurances. Our team will work with you and your insurance provider.
o Expert care—Our approach consists of a collaboration of specialists. The CyberKnife Center team includes radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, surgeons, physicists, radiation therapists and nurses to ensure the most appropriate and highest quality of care possible.
· Where can I find more information on CyberKnife?
o For more information or to schedule an appointment for consultation please contact our office at 423-578-1518.
o Other websites:
www.cyberknifesupport.org
www.cksociety.org
www.accuray.org
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