CyberKnife® uses X-ray guided robotics to provide a single dose of intense radiation to treat malignant and benign tumors, including those considered "inoperable." It is the most accurate, real-time, full-body radiosurgery system that painlessly and precisely eradicates tumors and lesions with no incision.
Physicians use the CyberKnife® system to treat (benign and/or malignant) tumors of the brain, spine, neck, lung, liver, prostate and pancreas, among others.
CyberKnife® offers many advantages:
- No pain
- No incisions or scarring
- No invasive head or body frame
- No anesthesia
- Targets multiple locations during a single session
- Accurately tracks tumors that move with breathing
- Outpatient procedure of an hour or two
- Only 1 to 5 treatments
- No recovery time - quick return to normal activity
How long has CyberKnife been offered?
CyberKnife was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 to treat tumors in the head, neck and upper spine. In 2001, it was approved to treat tumors anywhere in the body.
Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael campus began offering CyberKnife in 2008.
How is CyberKnife different from traditional radiation treatment?
CyberKnife radiosurgery factors in tumor motion, delivering radiation with extreme accuracy, causing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. And because the radiation area is smaller and only includes the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue, clinicians can deliver a higher dose of radiation safely.
How many CyberKnife treatments will I need?
Less damage to healthy tissue allows patients to complete treatment in 1-5 days, instead of the many weeks it takes with traditional radiation therapy.
Are there any side effects from CyberKnife treatment?
Usually there are minimal to no short-term side effects and patients recover quickly. Depending on the area of the body being treated, some patients may experience mild fatigue or nausea. Your doctor will tell you what you can expect. Most patients just get up after a treatment and resume their normal activity.
How frequently can I receive a CyberKnife treatment?
Frequency depends on tumor location and type of tumor. Most patients can receive multiple CyberKnife treatments or retreatment.
Can I still have CyberKnife treatment if I'm having or had chemotherapy, radiation or proton therapy?
Yes. Provide your doctor with a complete medical history so the appropriate CyberKnife treatment is prescribed.
How can I find out if CyberKnife is right for me?
Talk to your doctor or call us at 203.789.3131.