CyberKnife Treatment

CyberKnife is an advanced technology for non-invasive, painless radiosurgery that offers sub-millimeter precision in treatment of cancer anywhere in the body.

What is CyberKnife?

Basically, the CyberKnife is an advanced linear accelerator (LINAC) designed for cancer treatment. It is able to treat cancerous and noncancerous tumors and some other conditions where radiation therapy is appropriate. The CyberKnife is comprised of a linear accelerator weighing 140 kg that produces 6 MV x-rays, positioned on an industrial robot with 6 joints, and a robotic patient couch that can move in 6 directions. The treatment device turns around the patient as if it is dancing using computer-controlled robot technology and applies radiation from hundreds of angles. The robot has a sensitivity of 0.2 mm. With this system, cancerous areas in the brain and all over the body can be treated with high doses of radiation. Normal tissues are preserved at maximum levels from the effects of radiation.

How CyberKnife Works?

CyberKnife is applied by placing a plastic mask or body immobilizer on the patient without a surgical procedure. During the treatment, the patient is placed on a robot-controlled table that can move 6-dimensionally. An image capturing system tracks the tumor’s location and monitors the patient’s movements to change the positioning if necessary. It helps to treat safely lung and liver tumors that move with respiration. During the treatment, the patients do not have to hold their breath or breathe regularly. The system compares the computerized tomography and magnetic resonance images taken before the treatment with the instant images taken during the treatment. The tumor coordinates that are obtained are instantly assessed with the help of the computer, and the radiation dose is adjusted. Therefore the treatment is not affected by small movements of the patient. The delivered radiation dose is limited to the tumor, and the damage to the surrounding healthy tissue is reduced to a minimum. The effects of the procedure come gradually over a period of time, and the tumor shrinks.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR)

CyberKnife is able to deliver Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR). SRS is an alternative to surgery that does not involve any incisions. Instead, it uses focused beams of radiation to treat cancerous tissues with surgical precision. The aim is complete destruction of the tumor in one single session through high doses of radiation. When this treatment is delivered in more than one session (usually 3-5 sessions), it is called Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT). Unlike the Gamma Knife device, which is designed to perform radiosurgery mainly to brain lesions, the Cyberknife can deliver treatment anywhere in the body. This is usually called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). SABR applied high doses to the target areas with extreme accuracy, causing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Advantages of CyberKnife

Sub-millimeter precision. The system performs the treatment with sensitivity under millimeters, reducing the damage to healthy tissue to a minimum.
Full body capability. CyberKnife allows treatment of tumors or lesions throughout the body.
Alternative to surgery. CyberKnife is particularly used in multiple tumors requiring complex surgery and in treating tumors that cannot be surgically removed.
Motion synchronization. CyberKnife monitors the patient’s respiration and the tumor movements, making sensitive corrections and applying the radiation accordingly.
Fast treatment. Typically, the radiation treatment is applied in 1 to 5 sessions.
Painless treatment. There is no pain associated with radiation treatment delivered by the CyberKnife radiosurgery system. It does not require anesthesia.
Outpatient treatment. The CyberKnife treatment greatly reduces the risk of complications and lengthy recovery time associated with traditional surgery. After treatment, most patients can return home and resume their regular activities.

Cyberknife Cancer Treatment

CyberKnife can be used for the treatment of cancer anywhere in the body when radiation therapy is indicated. It is preferred for the treatment of malignant and benign tumors, metastases, arteriovenous malformations, and some functional diseases. However, patients should consult their physicians to determine if this treatment is right for them.

Conditions CyberKnife can treat include:

Primary & metastatic brain tumors;
Head and neck cancers;
Spinal and vertebral tumors;
Soft tissue tumors (Lung cancer, Kidney cancer, Liver cancer, Pancreas cancer);
Acoustic neuromas;
Meningiomas & skull-base tumors;
Pituitary tumors;
Eye cancers;
Recurrent & residual tumors;
Arteriovenous malformations(AVMs);
Functional disorders, such as trigeminal neuralgia
Prostate cancer, etc.

The method can be safely used on patients who have received radiotherapy previously, but the disease has recurred in the same area.

CyberKnife for Prostate Cancer

CyberKnife treatment can be used as a first-line option for early-stage, low-risk or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. In patients with advanced prostate cancer, this method may help to slow the progression of the disease. Surgery and radiotherapy are common treatment options for prostate cancer. CyberKnife is equally effective compared to surgery and more accurate than conventional radiation therapy. According to clinical data, SBRT prostate treatment offers excellent disease-free survival rates at five years post-treatment. Besides, it is non-invasive, painless, and convenient for the patients. CyberKnife treatment for prostate cancer is usually completed in 4-5 sessions over 1-2 weeks, while traditional radiotherapy takes 8-10 weeks.

CyberKnife Side Effects

Due to its specific features, CyberKnife usually causes fewer and milder side effects compared to standard radiotherapy. In most patients it comes with few to no side effects. However, just like any radiation treatment, Cyberknife might bring some potential risks. These may vary from patient to patient, depending on the tumor’s type, location, treatment dose and general health condition. Fatigue, skin irritation, nausea, and vomiting might be temporarily observed in some cases. Some patients might also encounter specific problems depending on the treated area. Potential side effects and how they could be managed should be discussed in detail with your physician before the procedure.

Why Choose Acibadem?

Internationally recognized expertise in cancer treatment. Patients from 40+ countries come to Acibadem Oncology Centers for their cancer treatment. Advanced technology, leading medical professionals, and multidisciplinary approach are our best tools against cancer.
Various treatment options. Radiation oncology is rapidly developing to ensure higher safety and efficacy for cancer patients. At Acibadem, we have the latest devices and treatment options available to ensure that our doctors can select the most appropriate solution for each patient.
Comprehensive service for international patients. Our International Patient Center provides 360-degree services for the convenience of our foreign patients, from scheduling treatment appointments at Acıbadem to assistance for travel and accommodation details.