CyberKnife

A New Treatment Option for Patients with Tumors

Memorial Cancer Center physicians use CyberKnife to aim tiny, focused beams of radiation at abnormal tissue with a remarkable level of precision. This highly advanced treatment technology is available in a comfortable, caring environment right here close to home.

What is Memorial CyberKnife?

Memorial CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery offers an additional treatment option for patients diagnosed with previously inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or patients who may be looking for an alternative to traditional surgery.

CyberKnife systems are located in some of the top medical facilities in the United States, and thousands of patients have been treated.

How does CyberKnife Work?

At the heart of CyberKnife technology is a linear accelerator mounted on a multi-jointed robotic arm. During the procedure, this linear accelerator fires fifty to several hundred or more concentrated beams of high-energy radiation at the tumor.

Each individual radiation beam is too weak to harm the tissue it passes through. Each one enters from a different angle until they all intersect with pinpoint accuracy. The effect of the radiation occurs only at the spot where all the beams meet. With the help of a computer, this spot can be accurately plotted within a fraction of a millimeter. trustedr4ikarter4

What Makes CyberKnife Unique?

State-of-the-Art Technology

This technique allows doctors to attack deeply embedded trouble spots while minimizing the dose of radiation to the surrounding healthy tissue. Hard-to-reach tumors, many that may have been diagnosed as inoperable or otherwise untreatable, may now be treated. 

Non-Invasive

Customized staged treatment takes place in a comfortable radiosurgery suite, requires minimal or no sedation, with little or no recovery time, and consists of less than five sessions in most cases. 

Improved Quality of Life

All treatments are done on an outpatient basis with immediate return to normal activity. There is no lengthy hospital stay. This allows patients the potential for a better quality of life during and after treatment. 

What is the Treatment Process?

Step 1: Consultation

A patient-centered team approach characterizes your treatment experience with Memorial CyberKnife. At your initial appointment, you meet with the team, and all procedures are explained to you. At this time, a video explaining the treatment process is presented. 

What to bring on your first visit:

• Your MRI and/or CT scans
• Records of any prior tests, medical, surgical, or radiation treatment
• Dates of medical procedures related to your condition
• Current list of medications and dosages

Step 2: Scanning

You will be scheduled to have a CT and /or MRI to plan your radiosurgery treatment. 

Step 3: Planning

Your physicians and physicist will review your scans in great detail and determine the best treatment plan for you. 

Step 4: Treatment

The procedure generally lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. You are encouraged to bring music CDs to help you relax during your treatment. You must bring a family member or friend to drive you home. 

Step 5: Follow-Up

You can expect to receive a follow-up phone call from the nurse to check on your status. You will also be given an appointment to follow-up with the CyberKnife physicians. Additional CT/MRI scans may be required in the weeks to months after your treatment. 

Get Started with CyberKnife

Talk to your oncologist about treating your tumor with CyberKnife. For more information, call (228) 575-2950. CyberKnife is located at 1340 Broad Avenue, Suite 160, Gulfport, MS 39501.