Radiation Therapy

CyberKnife vs Traditional Radiation in India - What’s the Difference?

CyberKnife is a modern form of stereotactic radiosurgery. This short explains how it differs from conventional radiation therapy in how it targets tumours and the treatment schedule you can expect.

How CyberKnife works

CyberKnife is a brand name for a device that delivers stereotactic radiosurgery. It is a non-invasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumours.

• Robotic precision. It uses a lightweight linear accelerator on a robotic arm. This allows it to deliver high-dose radiation beams from a wide range of angles with sub-millimetre accuracy.
• Real-time tracking. The system uses image guidance to track the tumour's position, even if it moves as you breathe. It adjusts the radiation beam to follow the tumour, which helps to protect healthy tissue.
• Fewer sessions. Because the radiation dose is very high and focused, treatment is usually completed in one to five sessions. This is also known as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Key differences from conventional therapy

Conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) also treats tumours with radiation, but the approach and technology are different.

• Broader beams. Traditional radiotherapy typically uses wider radiation beams from a smaller number of angles. This can mean more of the surrounding healthy tissue is exposed to radiation.
• Longer schedule. Treatment is given in smaller daily doses over several weeks. A typical course may last from four to seven weeks, depending on the cancer type and goal of treatment.
• Motion management. While modern machines have improved, they generally have less sophisticated real-time motion tracking compared to a CyberKnife system. Larger margins around the tumour may be needed.

Which treatment is right for you?

The choice between CyberKnife and conventional radiation depends on several factors specific to your case.

• Tumour type and size. CyberKnife is often used for small, well-defined tumours. It is also used for tumours in locations that are difficult to treat with surgery.
• Tumour location. It is particularly useful for tumours in or near critical structures, such as the brain, spine, lung, liver, and prostate, where sparing healthy tissue is vital.
• Previous treatment. CyberKnife can sometimes be an option for treating tumours in an area that has already received radiation, as it can be delivered very precisely.

The suitability of any treatment depends on your specific case. A final decision can only be made after a radiation oncologist has reviewed your medical reports and recent scans.