If you’ve never heard of CyberKnife, the name alone might conjure up images of science fiction. And when you see it in action, a sleek robotic arm moving with precision and agility, it certainly looks futuristic.
One of our patients described it perfectly: “The robotic arm moves with incredible agility and accuracy over me, side to side, even underneath the table. I lay completely mesmerized by the machine’s grace and power.”
But this isn’t science fiction, it’s very real, and it’s changing the way cancer is treated around the world. To help demystify how it works, we spoke with Dr. Ian Hanson, Chief Physicist at Auckland Radiation Oncology (ARO) in New Zealand, to explain more about CyberKnife and what makes it so unique.
What is CyberKnife?
Dr. Hanson explains that CyberKnife belongs to a group of radiation therapies called SBRT or stereotactic radiation therapy. This technology uses advanced imaging and computer-guided planning to pinpoint the exact location of a tumor and deliver powerful beams of radiation from multiple directions, all while avoiding surrounding healthy tissue.
As Ian explains, “The accuracy of CyberKnife allows us to deliver very high doses of radiation directly to the tumor, while keeping nearby vital organs safe. That’s a real game changer when the tumor is positioned close to areas that can be easily damaged, such as the spinal cord, the brain, heart, lungs or the prostate.”
What makes CyberKnife different?
Real-Time Tumor Tracking. Most radiation machines take a single image of the patient right before treatment starts. From there, the radiation is delivered based on where the tumor was, with a small margin added in case of movement.
CyberKnife, however, does something very different. It is the only machine that can continually see images of the tumor during treatment, adjusting in real time to any movement. So, if you breathe in, shift slightly, or if your bladder becomes fuller during treatment, CyberKnife notices and adapts. The beam follows the tumor wherever it goes.
Fiducials: Tiny Gold Markers for Precision
To make this real-time tracking possible, tiny gold markers called fiducials are inserted near the tumor before treatment, in a quick, biopsy-like procedure. These markers help guide CyberKnife as it monitors and adjusts to any changes in tumor position.
Unmatched Precision:
CyberKnife can track a tumor with sub-millimeter accuracy. And because of its robotic arm, it can move in nearly any direction, delivering radiation beams from hundreds of angles. This produces sub-millimeter accuracy in targeting the tumor during every single treatment session.
“When the Cyberknife treats a patient, it positions itself to the required position within 50 micrometers, that’s about the width of a human hair.” says Ian. “It’s incredibly precise, and incredibly consistent.”
What Cancers Can CyberKnife Treat?
CyberKnife is especially effective for small, well-defined tumors, and is commonly used for:
– Prostate cancer – Brain tumors – Spine tumors – Liver cancer – Pancreatic tumors – Lung tumors and more.
CyberKnife is Changing How Cancer is Treated:
A recent clinical study, the PACE A trial, compared SBRT treatment with traditional surgery for patients with early-stage, localized prostate cancer.
“The fact that you can have five quick sessions of radiation, avoid surgery, and potentially have fewer long-term side effects, like sexual dysfunction or incontinence, that’s a big step forward,” Ian explains.
With increasing evidence from global studies like this one, more doctors and their patients are considering CyberKnife as a first-line option for the treatment of early-stage localized prostate cancer.
The Future of Cancer Treatment is Here Today:
CyberKnife represents a powerful shift in cancer treatment: it’s precise, non-invasive, and personalized.
Fortunately more patients than ever are gaining access to this advanced form of treatment as more medical centers are adding CyberKnife to their cancer treatment options.
If you or a loved one is exploring cancer treatment options, talk to your GP or specialist about CyberKnife. Better yet, visit a CyberKnife center to find out if you are a candidate for it. Most tumor patients are.
Patients in South Florida are lucky, they can go to the CyberKnife Center of Miami for a consultation, and you don’t need a referral to see our cancer specialists in Miami. Just give us a call at 305-279-2900.
Patients come from all over the country, and even the world to access this cutting-edge treatment at our center because our team is among the most experienced worldwide, and that can make a big difference in your outcome.