When it comes to cancer diagnosis, treatment, radiation and specifically CyberKnife treatment for cancer, the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami, the premiere cancer treatment center in South Florida for non-invasive radiation therapy, know you have many questions.
To help with that, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers.
And while these just scratch the surface, you can always contact us to ask more questions or get a second opinion.
What is CyberKnife?
CyberKnife is a cutting-edge radiation technology also known as stereotactic body radiation therapy or SBRT. It treats cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where patients may need radiation, and it’s not actually a knife at all.
CyberKnife uses state-of-the-art technology. Its image guided linear accelerator delivers pinpointed radiation directly to a cancerous tumor – effectively killing the cancer and greatly reducing the risk of it returning.
How does CyberKnife Work?
CyberKnife is different from traditional radiation treatments because it continuously tracks tumors in real-time. This means your tumor gets the maximum dose of radiation, but the healthy surrounding tissue remains virtually untouched.
“The CyberKnife uses the combination of a robotic arm and image guidance technology for sub-millimeter accuracy. Because of the flexibility of the robotic arm, the system is able to reach areas of the body that are unreachable by other radiosurgery systems,” according to CyberKnife Miami.
What Cancers Are Treated with CyberKnife?
CyberKnife can successfully treat cancers of the prostate, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, head and neck, lymph nodes and brain as well as other metastatic cancers.
It can also be used for non-cancerous tumors like acoustic neuromas.
At CyberKnife Miami, we treat even the toughest cases.
What Are the Benefits of CyberKnife?
CyberKnife has fewer short-and-long-term side effects than other forms of radiation.
Some advantages include:
- Fewer Treatments: Treatments can be done in five radiation therapy sessions over 10 days compared to 42 over three months with other types of radiation treatments.
- No risk of Infection: CyberKnife has none of the risks that come with surgery because it’s noninvasive. There is no cutting and no anesthesia.
- Fewer side effects: CyberKnife moves with the patient to make sure the tumor is the only thing targeted. And since the CyberKnife radiation beams are so precise the chances of side effects are greatly reduced.
- Repeated treatment if needed: If the cancer returns, it can be treated again.
How many times can you have CyberKnife treatments?
CyberKnife is safe – even for patients who have had radiation before.
According to Accuray, the maker of CyberKnife, patients who are treated with CyberKnife can also be treated again in the event of a recurrence. And CyberKnife patients can still be candidates for other types of treatments in the event of a recurrence as well.
Does insurance cover CyberKnife?
According to Accuray, as of January of 2020 many private insurance companies cover SBRT for lung, spine, prostate and liver cancers. For pancreatic and brain cancers, insurance companies may reimburse you if you choose CyberKnife.
It’s best to check with your individual insurance policy. The staff at CyberKnife Miami will work with you and your insurance company to get you the answers you need.
What is the downside of CyberKnife?
CyberKnife treatment has more than three decades of clinical efficacy and studies.
Treatment is safe, effective, minimizes damage to vital organs near the tumor, has few side effects, little downtime and a high success rate.
The biggest downside is not consulting with CyberKnife Miami before deciding on the treatment plan that’s best for you. We are here to help you whether we’re the first experts you consult or you need a second opinion.
CyberKnife Miami: Cancer Treatment Miami, FL
CyberKnife Miami opened 24 years ago.
We were the first CyberKnife center to open in the Southeast. And we’re here to help you as well whether you come to us first, you’re seeking a second opinion or you’re confused about the right treatment for you.
If you would like to find out more about treatment with CyberKnife, call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website now for more information www.cyberknifemiami.com.