CyberKnife is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive cancer treatment offered by Anova Cancer Care and is highly effective for tumors in the prostate, kidney, brain, and other areas of the body. Despite its growing use, many patients have questions about what CyberKnife treatment involves. Here are 10 of the most common questions answered.
1. What is CyberKnife?
CyberKnife, also called stereotactic radiosurgery, is a form of precision radiation therapy that delivers high-dose radiation directly to a tumor with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or standard radiation.
2. How is CyberKnife different from traditional radiation?
Unlike traditional radiation, CyberKnife is highly precise and uses robotic technology to target tumors down to about 4/1000ths of an inch. Because it delivers higher doses in fewer sessions, CyberKnife often requires just 1 to 5 treatments over 1–2 weeks, compared to 30–45 sessions over 6–9 weeks with conventional radiation.
3. Who is a candidate for CyberKnife?
CyberKnife is ideal for patients with small to medium-sized tumors or those who are high-risk for traditional surgery. It can treat tumors in the prostate, kidneys, liver, lungs, brain, pancreas, and more. Your care team at Anova Cancer Care will evaluate your tumor’s size, location, and overall health to determine if CyberKnife is right for you.
4. Is the treatment painful?
No. CyberKnife is completely painless, non-invasive, and requires no incisions, anesthesia, or pain medication. Most patients only experience minor fatigue or temporary soreness afterward.
5. How long does each session take, and how many will I need?
CyberKnife delivers higher doses of radiation than typical treatments, meaning fewer sessions in a shorter timeframe. Most patients will undergo 1 to 5 treatments, with each session taking as little as 25 minutes.
6. How is CyberKnife treatment performed?
Before treatment, a series of CT, MRI, PET, or ultrasound scans map the tumor in 3D. During therapy, the patient lies under a robotic device that moves around the body to deliver radiation from hundreds of angles, precisely targeting the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. Continuous imaging ensures accuracy, even if the tumor shifts slightly during treatment.
7. Are there side effects?
Because CyberKnife targets tumors so precisely, side effects are minimal compared to traditional cancer treatments. Most patients experience temporary fatigue or mild localized discomfort, with no long recovery time required.
8. How soon will I see results?
Doctors typically monitor progress through follow-up imaging or lab tests in the weeks or months after treatment. Tumor response can often be seen relatively quickly due to the high-dose precision therapy.
9. Can CyberKnife be combined with other treatments?
Yes. CyberKnife can be part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, used alongside surgery, medications, or hormone therapy depending on your diagnosis. Your care team will tailor a plan specifically for your condition.
10. Is CyberKnife safe for older patients?
Yes. Because it’s non-invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, CyberKnife is safe and well-tolerated by patients of all ages, including those who may not be candidates for traditional surgery.
The Takeaway
CyberKnife offers a precise, minimally invasive, and highly effective treatment for many urological and other cancers. At Anova Cancer Care, patients receive state-of-the-art CyberKnife therapy with cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. Our team ensures comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, helping patients return to normal life as quickly as possible.
Curious if CyberKnife is right for you? Schedule a consultation today to explore this innovative, minimally invasive treatment option.
