CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System

How it Works

CyberKnife uses a combination of image guidance technology and computer-controlled robotics to continuously track, detect and correct for tumor and patient movements throughout the treatment, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

The Technology

CyberKnife is an advanced technology that delivers a specialized form of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery, or stereotactic body radiation therapy. It is comprised of a compact linear accelerator, a machine that generates a radiation beam, attached to a highly maneuverable robotic arm. The system features a device that controls the width of the radiation beams the machine delivers during treatment, allowing our clinical experts to vary the beam size and treat a larger variety of tumors throughout the body.

Procedures

During procedures, patients will lie on a treatment table while the machine’s robotic arm moves around their bodies delivering high doses of radiation directly to their tumor with pinpoint precision. Most treatment sessions typically last 30-90 minutes depending on the size, shape, and location of the tumor.

Patient Benefits

The advantages of CyberKnife cancer treatment include:

• Non-surgical Procedure: Procedures are non-invasive and painless for the patient.
• Greater Flexibility: Using a fully integrated robotic delivery system, the system allows for superior reach and maneuverability.
• Unparalleled Precision and Accuracy: Because the system’s robotic technology continually tracks patient movement and confirms tumor location prior to beam delivery, it is possible to treat lesions that move when the patient breathes.
• Frameless Structure: Unlike conventional radiosurgical technology, the system uses the skeletal structure of the body rather than invasive metal frames and skull pins as a reference point for identifying the tumor position throughout treatment.
• Fractionated Treatments: Unlike frame-based procedures, where the entire process must be performed in a single day, a CyberKnife patient does not need to wait in the hospital while the treatment plan is being developed. Treatment sessions typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the dose and the tumor shape. Physicians can elect to treat the tumor in a single dose or over several sessions.
• Fewer Complications: This treatment has a reduced risk of complications such as infection, hemorrhage, and other complications occasionally associated with conventional surgery.
• Better Quality of Life: Patients can anticipate no hospital stays, minimal recovery periods, less pain, no blood loss, and no need for hair shaving. Patients can go home or return to work immediately following treatment and resume normal activities.

Treatable Tumors, Lesions and Conditions

CyberKnife treats tumors anywhere in the body. Thus far, Crozer Health physicians and surgeons have treated patients for thoracic and head and neck cancers. In addition, tumors in other areas, such as the spine, prostate, liver and pancreas and more, can be treated as indicated below.

Intracranial

Extracranial

• Adrenal metastases
• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (head & neck recurrences)
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Oligometastases
• Osteosarcoma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Renal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Small cell lung cancer
• Spinal tumors

Metastasis

• Body metastasis
• Brain metastasis

Some cases may be appropriate for treatment even though the specific condition isn’t listed above. Please contact our center to discuss your particular case.