Unlike traditional surgery where you may be hospitalized overnight, CyberKnife Radiosurgery is a simple outpatient procedure that follows these few steps:
Step 1: Imaging the Tumor or Lesion
The CyberKnife treatment process begins by undergoing an imaging procedure. The surgeon and radiation oncologist will use a high-resolution CT scan to identify the exact size, shape and location of the tumor to be targeted, as well as the surrounding vital structures to be avoided. Depending on the type of tumor or lesion, another type of imaging may be used, such as PET/CT, MRI or angiography.
Step 2: Treatment Planning
Once the CT scan is performed, the image data is digitally transferred to the CyberKnife workstation, where a CyberKnife physician will use the system's advanced software to determine the amount, intensity and direction of the radiation beams to be administered to the tumor while avoiding surrounding healthy tissue.
Step 3: Treatment
Arriving
Come to the Radiation Suite at Mission Hospital one hour prior to your appointment. Wear comfortable clothing and no jewelry. You may want to bring a CD to listen to during your treatment. Prior to treatment, you will be given a mild sedative.
Positioning
During the CyberKnife procedure, you will lie comfortably on the treatment table. The system will automatically position you and the robotic arm for optimal treatment, as well as compensate for slight movement caused by respiration. You will, however, want to lie as still as possible, as excessive movement can prolong treatment time.
Treatment, Verification and Targeting
Painless and noninvasive, the treatment itself involves the administration of numerous radiation beams delivered from different directions. Prior to the delivery of each radiation beam, the image guidance system takes x-ray images and compares them to the original CT scan. This information is used to precisely position the robotic arm to ensure the radiation beam is locked to the tumor, even during normal respiration. This extreme, sub-millimeter accuracy minimizes the effect on surrounding healthy tissue. Most treatments last between one and three hours.
Completion
CyberKnife Radiosurgery is a brief, noninvasive outpatient procedure. Because you will be given a mild sedative prior to treatment, you will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. Most patients can resume their normal activities the same day of their treatment.
Step 4: Follow-up
Follow-up imaging is usually performed to monitor the tumor. Your doctor will determine your follow-up timeframe.
To learn more about CyberKnife Radiosurgery contact Angela Cathcart, our CyberKnife Nurse Coordinator at 828-213-1039 or by email at Angela.Cathcart@msj.org
