CyberKnife is a state-of-the art extremely targeted radiation therapy typically used for cancer, but it’s also used for non-cancerous conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), acoustic neuromas and even Parkinson’s disease to control tremors, according to the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami, one of the leading CyberKnife treatment centers in the United States.
Let’s explore how CyberKnife can help treat other non-cancerous conditions.
CyberKnife for Nerve Pain
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition effecting the trigeminal nerve on the face that causes chronic and sometimes sudden intense shock-like pain.
And while CyberKnife is FDA approved for trigeminal neuralgia, many of those with the condition aren’t aware this easy, simple treatment exists.
Trigeminal neuralgia patients often start with anti-seizure medications or muscle relaxants. They try Botox, and some turn to invasive surgery to lessen the pain.
Yet one treatment with CyberKnife could be the answer.
“I’m surprised at how long many of these patients have suffered before they are referred to a CyberKnife center for treatment. That’s why it’s so very important that we get this information out about CyberKnife as a non-invasive treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia,” says Dr. Mark Pomper, medical director of CyberKnife Miami and board-certified radiation oncologist.
The largest prospective, single-institution study from Italy published in 2018 in the journal Neurosurgery found: “Pain relief was achieved in 93.5% of patients after a median delay of three weeks after treatment” with CyberKnife.
Nearly 75% of the patients in the study achieved pain relief after just one treatment. That meant these patients were able to decrease their pain medications and eventually stop using them.
Of the patients in the study, 33 or 25% of patients underwent a second treatment with CyberKnife. And after that treatment they achieved pain relief.
“Patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia should always consider alternative options to surgery,” says Dr. Pomper. “After trying medication, ask your doctor, is there a non-invasive treatment available? Typically, patients need only one CyberKnife treatment. If the pain returns, a second treatment may be considered but we’ve been very successful with just one treatment.”
CyberKnife Success for AVMs
An arteriovenous malformation or AVM is an abnormal tangle or knot of blood vessels in the brain affecting about 1% of the population.
Most people with AVMs are born with them. They go undiagnosed until symptoms develop typically in a person’s mid-30’s.
Left untreated, AVMs can cause brain bleeds, brain damage or strokes.
CyberKnife can lower the long-term risk of an AVM bleed by shrinking the AVM with high-dose external radiation.
The treatment is pain free and outpatient. Most people only require one treatment, but some may need additional treatments.
“The most effective way is to give radiation to the area most at risk. And it’s very localized and very precise with the CyberKnife,” says Dr. Pomper,
According to a 20-patient study in 2020 the majority of patients saw complete obliteration of their AVMs with CyberKnife.
CyberKnife for Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma, also known as a Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) is a benign typically slow-growing tumor developing from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear.
“The precarious location of an acoustic neuroma makes surgery tricky, and conventional radiation doesn’t have the pinpoint accuracy that CyberKnife does, according to Dr. Pomper, who says CyberKnife has the precision and accuracy to treat acoustic neuromas.”
CyberKnife for Parkinson’s Disease and Other Conditions
One of the latest diseases CyberKnife is being studied for is Parkinson’s Disease.
Earlier this year, a 78-year-old patient in India, who was also a prostate cancer survivor, was treated with CyberKnife to reduce his tremors. Doctors targeted the CyberKnife radiation to ablate the specific area of his brain that was causing tremors.
Within two days of a 15-minute treatment with CyberKnife, the patient saw significant improvement, according to his doctor.
While more studies are needed, there is hope CyberKnife may be able to help others with Parkinson’s Disease.
Standford Medicine doctors are also researching other applications for CyberKnife including back pain, high blood pressure, depression and other psychological conditions.
In addition the CyberKnife can be used for non-invasive treatment of certain irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. The procedure is also called stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR).
It’s a potential alternative for certain patients with persistent arrhythmias who are not good candidates for or have failed catheter ablation.
For instance: Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Research has shown CyberKnife to be a therapeutic alternative for recurrent VT, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart disease.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Initial investigations have explored the use of Cyberknife for AFib, but more data is needed.
CyberKnife for Osteoarthritis
It also is currently being tested, and even used at some cancer centers to eliminate the pain of osteoarthritis. The CyberKnife radiation dose is lowered in this instance.
Low-dose radiation therapy is particularly effective at reducing inflammation, leading to improved mobility and pain relief.
Additional benefits include: Painless treatment—The sessions are non-invasive and short, typically lasting only a few minutes.
Minimal side effects—This therapy’s low dose minimizes potential side effects often associated with higher doses of radiation necessary for cancer treatment.
Long-lasting effects—A few sessions can lead to effects that last up to two years, with the option for periodic re-administration if pain recurs or worsens.
Suitable for older patients—This therapy is a safe alternative for older patients with persistent osteoarthritis pain.
Cost effective—Many insurance plans approve and cover this treatment, making it a practical option for individuals seeking relief from osteoarthritis pain.
CyberKnife Miami
If you have any questions about how CyberKnife can help with any of these conditions or with a cancerous tumor, call CyberKnife Miami at 305-279-2900, and go to our website now to learn more and see patient testimonials. www.cyberknifemiami.com