Medical Services • Surgical Services

Treating your tumors with advanced technology

As the only full-body stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) system in the world, CyberKnife introduces an entirely new approach to cancer treatment. Utilizing a computer-controlled robotic arm that moves around the patient to deliver precisely targeted beams of radiation, CyberKnife provides surgeons with unparalleled flexibility and accuracy in radiating tumors anywhere in the body.

Equipped with X-ray cameras and computer technology similar to that used for cruise missile guidance, the CyberKnife system locates and evaluates the tumor to determine the position and orientation of each of the more than 1,200 beams of radiation that will be delivered during treatment. When all the beams come together in the tumor, a high and effective dose of radiation is delivered with minimal, if any, radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Providing you with a painless procedure

While you lie comfortably on the treatment table, CyberKnife delivers the treatment dose, continually checking and compensating for tumor position and your movement throughout the session. Comparing real-time images to images produced from the pre-treatment CT scans, the robotic system instantly repositions each beam, as needed, before delivery.

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.

For more information on the CyberKnife Radiosurgery System at Northwest Community Hospital, call HealthConnection at 847.618.4YOU. To find out if CyberKnife is a viable treatment option for you, call Kathy Vehlow, RN, CyberKnife oncology nurse coordinator at 847.618.6772. 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.