For a patient facing a brain cancer diagnosis, it’s important to know there are treatment options beyond surgery, chemotherapy and traditional radiation.
One of those options is CyberKnife, a non-surgical form of radiation called stereotactic radiosurgery or SRS, which delivers sub-millimeter precision radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
That’s just one of the many things that makes CyberKnife very different from – and superior to — whole brain radiation, according to the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami – South Florida’s premiere radiation cancer treatment center.
“We treat tumors a lot faster, safer and effectively. Because the beams target only the tumor, sparing surrounding tissue from harm, it does a better job at eliminating tumors, with few if any side effects. Because patients require many fewer treatments they can get cancer treatment behind them in much less time, causing the least disruption to their daily lives,” says Dr. Mark Pomper, medical director of CyberKnife Miami and board-certified radiation oncologist.
CyberKnife Advantages for Brain Cancer
Here are additional reasons to explore CyberKnife as a treatment option for brain cancer.
- CyberKnife has been approved to treat brain tumors for 25 years.
- It can be used on both benign, malignant and metastatic brain tumors.
CyberKnife is safe and effective for brain and spinal tumors acoustic neuroma, pituitary adenomas and vascular malformations, according to Accuray, the maker of CyberKnife.
- For patients who are not surgical candidates, CyberKnife could be a beneficial alternative treatment option.
- Most side effects are temporary but can include fatigue, nausea and skin irritation.
- CyberKnife targets tumors in real time. That means if a patient moves his head slightly, CyberKnife moves with the patient. This accuracy can minimize life-altering side effects and help preserve your long-term quality of life.
- Patients typically need one to five treatments over a one or two week period.
- Patients can continue adjunct therapies like chemotherapy or immunotherapy during CyberKnife treatments.
- Patients can also be treated again in the case of recurrence.
- Plus, patients do not need an invasive head-frame, screwed into the skull during treatment. Instead, they lay comfortably on the table, with a soft face mask used to keep the patient’s head from moving, allowing CyberKnife’s robotic precision to do itswork.
Here is a YouTube video, created by Accuray, to show patients how CyberKnife works to target brain tumors.
CyberKnife Clinical Studies for Brain Cancer
According to clinical studies, CyberKnife has a proven track record for brain cancer treatment.
- In a study of 133 brain cancer patients presenting with headaches or seizures, 90% either stabilized or saw symptom improvement after CyberKnife treatment.
- A study of 333 patients treated for metastatic brain cancer, more than 85% of patients able to be evaluated saw local tumor control at two years post treatment. In other words, the tumor shrunk or stopped growing.
- In a clinical study of 199 patients who had tumors that couldn’t be surgically treated, or a portion remained after surgery, 92% saw their tumors stabilize or had improvements in their symptoms after CyberKnife treatment.
CyberKnife Treatment in Miami
CyberKnife Miami opened our doors in 2003. We were the first CyberKnife center to open in the Southeast. And we’re the experts in South Florida, the most experienced when it comes to treating brain tumors with CyberKnife.
We’re here to help you whether you come to us first, you’re seeking a second opinion or you’re confused about the right treatment for you.
For more details or to schedule a consultation with one of our cancer experts at CyberKnife Miami, call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website now www.cyberknifemiami.com.