CyberKnife Treatment

What Conditions Can CyberKnife Treat in India? - Treatment Explained

CyberKnife is a brand name for a device that delivers a type of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery. This short explains the kinds of tumours and other conditions it may be used to treat.

How CyberKnife works

CyberKnife is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused beams of high-dose radiation. It targets and destroys tumours or other abnormal tissues with great precision.

• Robotic precision. The system uses a robotic arm to deliver radiation from hundreds of different angles. This helps to concentrate the dose on the target while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
• Real-time tracking. It uses advanced imaging and motion tracking to follow the tumour's position during treatment. This allows it to adjust for small movements, such as breathing.
• No incision. As a form of radiosurgery, it does not involve any cuts. Treatment is usually painless and you can typically go home the same day.
• Fewer sessions. The high precision allows for a higher dose of radiation per session. Treatment is often completed in one to five sessions over several days.

Conditions it can treat

CyberKnife can be used for many conditions throughout the body. It is an option for both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) growths.

• Brain and spine tumours. It is often used for tumours in the brain and spinal cord, including those in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery.
• Lung and liver cancer. The system's ability to track tumour movement makes it suitable for treating cancers in organs that move when you breathe.
• Prostate cancer. It is a recognised treatment option for prostate cancer, often used as an alternative to surgery or longer courses of conventional radiotherapy.
• Other cancers. It may also be used for some pancreatic cancers, kidney cancers, and for tumours that have spread to other parts of the body (metastases).
• Non-cancerous conditions. It can also treat certain benign conditions, such as acoustic neuromas or trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve pain disorder.

Deciding on treatment

Whether CyberKnife is a suitable option depends on several factors related to the tumour and your general health.

• The decision is based on the type, size, and location of the tumour.
• It is generally used for well-defined tumours that are visible on imaging scans like CT or MRI.
• Your medical history, including any prior radiation therapy to the same area, is an important consideration.

The suitability of CyberKnife treatment can only be determined by a specialist. A radiation oncologist must review your individual case, including your medical history and recent imaging reports, to advise on the best course of action.