Cyberknife treatment - All Inclusive

Cyberknife treatment:

CyberKnife is a technologically advanced radiosurgery system that provides the ability to treat tumors all over the body with sub-millimeter precision.

CyberKnife is also used to treat multiple tumors that require complex surgery, as well as in the treatment of tumors that cannot be reached surgically. Its millimeter precision minimizes potential damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. The CyberKnife tracks and monitors the patient's respiratory movements to accommodate tumor displacement during the procedure, ensuring precise delivery of the radiation dose.

Each treatment with a cyberknife is painless and does not require anesthesia. Patients can quickly return to their normal routine once treatment is complete.

How is the cyberknife treatment procedure performed?

The application of cyberknife treatment begins after a plastic mask is placed on the patient's face without the need for surgery. During the treatment itself, the patient lies on a table that is controlled by a robotic system and can move in 6 directions. Also included is an image guidance system that determines the location of the tumor and monitors for movements to reposition the patient as needed. It allows for precise treatment of lung or liver tumors that shift location when breathing.

During treatment, the patient does not need to hold his breath or breathe evenly. The system compares the images obtained from the CT and MRI before the procedure with images captured in real time during treatment. The resulting tumour coordinates are evaluated using computers in real time to determine the radiation dose. Thus, the treatment is not affected by slight movements of the patient. It focuses on the tumour and damage to healthy tissues is kept to a minimum.

Thanks to robotic technology controlled by computers, the device rotates around the patient and performs the treatment, applying radiation from hundreds of different angles. The Cyberknife consists of multiple subsystems with advanced technology. The device is able to determine the location of the tumor using its image-guidance system, and features an advanced computer-controlled robotic patient positioning system. All of these systems facilitate the treatment of tumors with high precision.

In what diseases is cyberknife treatment used?

CyberKnife is approved to treat tumors and lesions anywhere on the body where radiotherapy is required. However, patients should check with their doctor whether this type of treatment is suitable for them. Diseases that can be treated with Cyberknife include:

• Primary and metastatic brain tumors
• Cancer of the spine
• Tumors of the spinal cord
• Soft tissue tumours (lung, kidney, liver, pancreas)
• Acoustic neuromas
• Meningiomas and tumors at the base of the skull
• Tumors of the pituitary gland
• Relapses and residual tumours
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
• Functional disorders, such as trigeminal neuralgia

What are the advantages of cyberknife treatment?

• Treatment without pain - radiosurgery with a cyberknife is a treatment without pain.
• Frameless - CyberKnife's ability to adjust the radiation in accordance with the patient's movements and eliminates the need for the pain and discomfort causing metal head frame used with other stereotactic technologies.
• Whole Body Coverage - CyberKnife's unique design allows treatment of tumors and lesions all over the body, which is a completely new approach to radiosurgery. Radiotherapy radiation can be applied to soft tissues such as the lung, liver, kidney and other organs, as well as the brain and spine.
• Outpatient treatment - any treatment with a cyberknife significantly limits the risks of complications and prolonged recovery time typical of traditional surgery. CyberKnife can also perform "staged" radiosurgery, in which the full radiation dose is divided into two to five smaller doses over several days. This is particularly useful when treating larger tumors or those located near sensitive areas, as it provides better protection for surrounding tissue. After the procedure, most patients can return home and resume their normal activities.