CyberKnife Treatment

Preparation of CyberKnife treatment involves the following two steps:

• Evaluation: The patient is thoroughly evaluated with the help of diagnostic tests related to the suspected condition. The tumor board, which involves a team of radiographers, oncologists and physicists then discuss the findings to establish the best treatment plan and approach.
• Planning: Once it is decided that the patient can be treated with the help of CyberKnife technology, an MRI, CT or CT/PET scan is done to establish the exact size, shape and location of the tumor. The image results are then fed into the CyberKnife machinery to determine the exact dosage and number of sessions required. Accordingly, a mask or suit is designed for the patient to safeguard the healthy tissues and keep the area to be targeted exposed.

CyberKnife treatment sessions are performed on an outpatient basis. Sometimes, the patient may be admitted a night prior to the treatment day for the planning purpose.

The patient is made to lie on a comfortable table with the mask or customized suit on. The robotic arms of the CyberKnife machine moves as per the breathing of the patient and delivers precise radiation to the tumor area. The patient remains in the recovery room for a few hours and then is discharged from the hospital.

Recovery after the procedure is immediate. Since the healthy tissues are not affected during treatment, the patient does not feel any side effects.

The patient is discharged from the hospital and called for a follow-up after a few days. The percentage of tumor left or removed through CyberKnife treatment is assessed after a few months of the procedure with the help of a fresh scan.