Frequently Asked Questions

  • The coverage for CyberKnife treatment may vary depending on your insurance plan and the specific medical condition being treated. It is recommended to consult with your insurance provider to determine coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

  • Please call Amanda, our patient care coordinator, at (918) 949-6676 or complete the webform on this page, and our team will be in touch to answer your questions and discuss next steps.

General Questions

  • The CyberKnife system is a non-invasive, robotic radiosurgery system used to treat tumors and other medical conditions with precision and accuracy. It utilizes advanced image-guided technology and robotic arm movements to destroy targeted cells with exceptional accuracy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

  • The CyberKnife operates by directing a series of high-dose radiation beams from different angles outside the body. These beams are carefully programmed to come together precisely at the site of the tumor and are tracked real-time. While each individual beam is designed to be safe for healthy tissue, their combined strength at the tumor location is powerful enough to destroy the cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

  • The CyberKnife can treat a wide range of conditions including but not limited to:

    • Cancerous tumors (such as those in the brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, prostate, and kidney)

    • Benign tumors (acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas, schwannomas, etc.)

    • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

    • Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)

    • Movement disorders (such as essential tremors)

    • Recurrent tumors after previous radiation (metastatic tumors)

    This system is particularly beneficial for treating tumors near complex organs or with irregular shapes as its robotic precision ensures the surrounding healthy tissues and vital organs are spared from radiation.

  • The CyberKnife system stands out from other systems due to several unique features:

    • Robotic Precision: The CyberKnife employs a robotic arm that can move with great freedom, enabling precise radiation delivery from virtually any direction with sub-millimeter accuracy

    • Real-Time Tracking: It uses real-time imaging to continuously monitor the patient’s position and adjust the radiation beam, accordingly, ensuring accuracy even if the patient moves during treatment.

    • Intelligent Tumor Tracking: The system’s advanced software can track and adjust the radiation beam in response to the tumor’s motion, such as breathing or other organ movements.

  • Patients can benefit from several key factors associated with the CyberKnife system, including:

    • No surgery

    • No anesthesia

    • No hospital stay

    • No rehabilitation

    • No risk of bleeding or infection

    • No head frame

    • Minimal to no side effects

    • Quick return to normal everyday life

    • Shorter treatment program compared to conventional radiotherapy (28-44 treatments for conventional compared to 1-5 max with the CyberKnife)

CyberKnife Questions

  • The length of a CyberKnife treatment session can vary based on factors such as the size, number, and complexity of the targeted area, On average, sessions can range from approximately 30 to 60 minutes. It’s important to note that an entire treatment course may span one to five sessions typically on a schedule like: Mon., Wed., Fri., Tues., Thurs., done

  • The CyberKnife procedure is typically painless as it is a non-invasive treatment method that does not involve incisions or other invasive procedures. While patients may experience some discomfort from maintaining a still position during treatment session, anesthesia is not necessary.

  • Generally, CyberKnife is gentle and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. However, it’s possible for some patients to experience temporary effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, or mild nausea. These side effects are typically short-lived and tend to resolve on their own.

  • CyberKnife treatment has demonstrated impressive tumor control rates and comparable survival rates to alternative treatment methods. However, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the unique circumstances of each case and the specific condition being addressed. To accurately evaluate your individual situation, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us.

  • During radiosurgery, such as with the CyberKnife system, the tumor is effectively eradicated by precisely delivering high-dose radiation to the targeted area. This radiation works by damaging the DNA within the tumor cells., thereby inhibiting their ability to divide and proliferate. As time progresses, the affected cells gradually lose their capability to survive and reproduce, ultimately resulting in the destruction of the tumor.

    It’s important to note that certain tumors may exhibit signs of recurrence or progression. Thus, regular follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the tumor’s status and make informed decisions regarding further treatment or management.

CyberKnife Treatment

  • CyberKnife radiotherapy differs from traditional radiotherapy in several key areas:

    • Pinpoint Accuracy: CyberKnife uses real-time imaging and tracking to continuously adjust the radiation delivery, ensuring precise targeting of the tumor throughout the treatment.

    • Minimized Radiation Exposure: The system’s advanced targeting capabilities minimize radiation exposure to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor, reducing the risk of complications.

    • Non-invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, CyberKnife is a non-invasive treatment that does not require anesthesia. It delivers radiation externally.

    • Frameless: CyberKnife utilizes advanced imaging guidance technology, eliminating the need for rigid immobilization frames that are used in traditional radiosurgery.

    • Fewer Treatment Sessions: CyberKnife typically requires fewer treatment sessions than traditional radiotherapy, completing treatments in 1-5 sessions instead of 28-44 sessions with traditional radiotherapy.

  • The CyberKnife system utilizes a type of radiotherapy known as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The CyberKnife system is specifically designed to deliver highly precise and targeted radiation to tumors in various parts of the body, including the brain and other areas outside the brain. It employs advanced imaging and robotic technology to track and continuously adjust the radiation beams in real-time, ensuring accurate and effective treatment delivery. The CyberKnife system is a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery for certain tumors and allows for the delivery of high dose radiation with enhanced precision and fewer treatment sessions.

  • Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) differs from conventional radiation therapy by utilizing multiple beams that converge precisely at the tumor site from various angles. This targeted approach allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. As a result, SRT typically requires fewer treatment sessions than conventional radiation therapy, making it a more time-efficient option.

Radiation Therapy

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