CyberKnife®

CyberKnife® technology to fight cancer

The revolutionary CyberKnife® technology completes the cancer treatment advancements at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, offering a pain-free and precise solution for treating tumors anywhere in the body. Its innovative approach has redefined how tumors are treated, offering hope to individuals facing even the most challenging diagnoses. With CyberKnife®, we aim to ensure that every patient has access to advanced treatment options tailored to their unique needs.

What is CyberKnife®?

The CyberKnife® system allows physicians to deliver high doses of radiation to small, targeted areas with phenomenal accuracy. Its precision, measured in sub-millimeters, ensures little to no damage to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. This groundbreaking technology combines pinpoint accuracy with innovative robotic capabilities, redefining what’s possible in cancer treatment. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which often requires multiple sessions over several weeks, CyberKnife® can complete treatments in as few as one to five sessions. 

How CyberKnife® works

CyberKnife® utilizes real-time tracking to monitor even the slightest movements of the patient or the tumor. If motion is detected, the system adjusts automatically, ensuring the radiation stays focused on the tumor. This precision is paired with its ability to deliver radiation beams from up to 1,200 different angles, enhancing its ability to target tumors from virtually any position. The system’s robotic arm moves with incredible fluidity, allowing it to treat tumors in areas that were previously considered too risky or difficult to reach.

Unlike traditional radiosurgery, CyberKnife® is frameless. Patients won’t need uncomfortable immobilization devices like head or body frames. This non-invasive approach not only reduces physical strain but also alleviates the mental stress often associated with cancer treatment, empowering patients to focus on their recovery.

Benefits of CyberKnife® treatment

Patients can experience a range of benefits from CyberKnife® treatment:

• No incisions: A non-invasive procedure means no risk of blood loss or infection.
• No anesthesia: Comfort is prioritized, as the procedure doesn’t require sedation.
• Minimal recovery time: With no surgical wounds to heal, recovery is significantly quicker compared to traditional surgery.

For many, the most remarkable benefit is the ability to treat tumors once categorized as inoperable. From the brain and prostate to the pancreas and lungs, CyberKnife® can target cancerous tumors in diverse areas of the body. It is also effective for treating benign (non-cancerous) tumors that impact quality of life. Additionally, because the treatment is so exact, it’s ideal for patients who may not tolerate conventional surgery due to age or pre-existing health conditions. CyberKnife® ensures that patients can continue their daily activities with minimal disruption, making it a practical and life-changing option for many.

Revolutionizing stereotactic radiosurgery

The CyberKnife® builds on the foundation laid by earlier stereotactic radiosurgery tools, like the Gamma Knife. Named by its creator, Professor Lars Leksell, the Gamma Knife acted as a virtual scalpel, conforming radiation to the tumor’s shape. The CyberKnife® takes this a step further, offering unparalleled robotic versatility and accuracy, making it a cornerstone of advanced cancer care at St. Joseph’s/Candler. With CyberKnife®, the possibilities for treating complex cases are virtually limitless, offering hope to patients who may have previously had few options.

The future of cancer treatment

CyberKnife®’s ability to treat tumors without incisions or long hospital stays makes it a vital tool for radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons alike. It enables the treatment of tumors in delicate and hard-to-reach areas while providing patients with a more comfortable and efficient experience. As cancer treatment evolves, technologies like CyberKnife® are leading the way, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in oncology care. Its innovative design ensures that even tumors in complex areas like the spine, skull base, and pelvis can be treated with precision.