Medical Services • Surgical Services

What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)?

Stereotactic Radiosurgery, which has been used for 30 years, is a non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment that delivers high doses of precisely targeted radiation beams to destroy a tumor or lesion within the body while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Is CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery a surgical procedure?

Despite its name, the CyberKnife System is not surgery; there is no incision, no pain and no blood loss. Yet, with its high precision and accuracy, the CyberKnife System can achieve a surgical-like outcome. Tumors, even those previously diagnosed as inoperable, can be effectively irradiated without the pain, risks and complications associated with conventional surgery.

How is CyberKnife different from other stereotactic radiosurgery systems?

Traditional stereotactic systems, including the Gamma Knife, requires the placement of a somewhat painful stereotactic head frame for immobilization and target localization. Such frame-based systems have other numerous disadvantages:

• The basic design limits radiation delivery to the brain only
• Difficult to treat patients with lesions located in certain areas of the brain
• Radiation dose cannot be delivered in more than one treatment session

CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery, on the other hand, is a frameless system, with a computer-controlled robotic arm that provides access to tumors and lesions unreachable by most other stereotactic radiosurgery systems. CyberKnife’s unique maneuverability allows for the widest range of treatment options and the greatest level of patient comfort.

What makes the CyberKnife System unique?

• Accuracy. Radiation is delivered with such precision (within a hair’s width) that tumors can be treated without harming surrounding tissue.
• Flexibility. Unsurpassed maneuverability enables radiation to be delivered from unlimited positions so tumors can be treated anywhere, from any angle.
• Robotics. The system tracks tumor position, detects tumor or patient movement, and automatically self-corrects.
• Versatility. Tumors diagnosed as inoperable, untreatable or surgically complex can now be treated through this revolutionary pain-free, non-invasive alternative.

What conditions can be treated with the CyberKnife System?

CyberKnife can treat cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, lesions and a few medical conditions throughout the body, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Tumors in the brain, lung, neck, liver, kidney, pancreas, prostate, pelvic organs and spine, including those previously diagnosed as inoperable or untreatable
• Acoustic neuromas
• Blood vessel malformations
• Trigeminal neuralgia

What is a CyberKnife procedure like for the patient?

During a typical treatment session, you will lie on a comfortable padded table while the CyberKnife’s flexible robotic arm moves slowly around you – delivering precisely targeted radiation to the treatment area.

Depending on the location of the tumor, your face may be covered with a soft mask or your chest covered with a vest equipped with LED sensors. The sensors allow the CyberKnife to make a mathematical model of the tumor’s location as you breathe, so the robotic arm can anticipate your movements. Most treatments last one to two hours. During that time, the radiation therapist will follow your treatment on computer screens and television monitors.

Sometimes the tumor or even multiple tumors can be treated in a single session. Other tumors, especially those located close to a critical organ, may require additional treatments.

Is the procedure safe?

The CyberKnife System delivers powerful doses of radiation with extreme precision, sparing healthy tissues surrounding the targeted areas. Because incisions are not required, the risks involved with open surgery, such as hemorrhage or infection, are significantly reduced.

Does CyberKnife require implanted markers?

In order to orient and target the CyberKnife during treatment, some patients may need to have tiny gold seeds, called fiducials, inserted near the tumor to serve as markers. This will happen at a separate appointment before your CyberKnife treatment. If you have fiducials placed, you will need to have someone drive you home afterward.

After treatment, what comes next?

It is likely that you will have a follow-up CT, MRI or PET scan in the months following treatment, to assess the tumor’s response. Results will be sent to your physician to ensure continuity of care.

How can I find out if CyberKnife Radiosurgery is an option for me?

Call Kathy Vehlow, RN, BS, OCN, CyberKnife oncology nurse coordinator at 847.618.6772.
To request more information about the CyberKnife Radiosurgery System at Northwest Community Hospital, call Health Connection at 847.618.4YOU.

For a physician referral, please call HealthConnection at 847.618.4YOU, or click on the links on the left side of this page to view a list of oncology specialists at Northwest Community Hospital.