CyberKnife Treatment

Is CyberKnife Treatment Painful? - What Patients Should Know in India?

CyberKnife is a non-invasive type of radiation therapy. Many patients ask if the procedure is painful. This short explains what you can expect during a treatment session.

The CyberKnife procedure

CyberKnife is a brand name for a device that delivers stereotactic radiosurgery. It is a non-surgical radiation therapy.

• No incisions. The treatment does not involve any cutting. A robotic arm moves around you to deliver radiation beams to a precise location from many different angles.
• No anaesthesia. Because the procedure is non-invasive and painless, general anaesthesia is not needed. You remain awake throughout the session.
• Outpatient basis. Treatment is usually completed over one to five sessions on an outpatient basis. You can typically go home on the same day.

What you may feel during treatment

The treatment itself is painless. You will not feel the radiation.

• Lying still. You will lie on a treatment couch while the machine works. You may be fitted with a soft mask or body cradle to help you stay comfortably in position.
• Machine noise. You will hear the sounds of the machine as the robotic arm moves around you. It will not touch you. You can often listen to music.
• Session length. A single session can last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

After the session

• Normal activities. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
• Side effects. Some patients may experience side effects like fatigue or skin irritation. These depend on the treatment area and are usually temporary.
• Follow-up care. Your medical team will explain any potential side effects and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

The suitability of CyberKnife treatment depends on your specific diagnosis, the tumour's type and location, and your general health. An experienced radiation oncologist can advise if it is the right option for you after a full review of your medical reports and recent imaging.