CyberKnife is a precise way of pinpointing, targeting, and delivering radiation to tumors with fewer treatments. Time from diagnosis to treatment is shorter. No surgery is required to place markers and patients unable to withstand surgery can be treated. Tumors wrapped around nerves or entwined with organs can be accurately targeted within one hair's width due to the calibration capabilities of the computer system. Repositioning the patient is not required if they move due to fatigue or breathing. The CyberKnife delivery system even detects movements of the tumor and makes the adjustments instantaneously.
This treatment can target tumors in the lungs, breasts, pancreas, spine and near the optic nerve due to the pinpoint mapping system. Tumors previously considered to be inoperable can be treated by this computer controlled system. This particular system provides painless and pinpoint treatment by radiation laser beams. Using MRI, PET and CT scans, the doctor maps the tumor. Treatment times are 30 to 90 minutes in length and most patients can be treated in one to five sessions. Follow-up with MRI and PET scans show results in the tumor size. CyberKnife was endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 and 2001.
Traditional treatment by radiation of tumors is involved and damage to healthy tissue occurs. Multiple tests must be repeated to make sure of accurate delivery of radiation. Depending on where the tumor is located, it must be pinpointed and marked with surgically placed markers. In treating brain tumors, the head is screwed into a frame for stability. There is recovery time and the patient is at risk of infections or complications from surgery. Without the complications imposed by this method of using radiation, the patient who chooses CyberKnife feels more in control and supported by the positives offered by this system.
This treatment can target tumors in the lungs, breasts, pancreas, spine and near the optic nerve due to the pinpoint mapping system. Tumors previously considered to be inoperable can be treated by this computer controlled system. This particular system provides painless and pinpoint treatment by radiation laser beams. Using MRI, PET and CT scans, the doctor maps the tumor. Treatment times are 30 to 90 minutes in length and most patients can be treated in one to five sessions. Follow-up with MRI and PET scans show results in the tumor size. CyberKnife was endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 and 2001.
Traditional treatment by radiation of tumors is involved and damage to healthy tissue occurs. Multiple tests must be repeated to make sure of accurate delivery of radiation. Depending on where the tumor is located, it must be pinpointed and marked with surgically placed markers. In treating brain tumors, the head is screwed into a frame for stability. There is recovery time and the patient is at risk of infections or complications from surgery. Without the complications imposed by this method of using radiation, the patient who chooses CyberKnife feels more in control and supported by the positives offered by this system.
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