It is a cutting-edge radiotherapy treatment using computer
technology that enables doctors to deliver radiation with unprecedented
precision when treating all kinds of tumors and lesions.
Its fast, interactive, automatic robotic capability has
revolutionized the treatment of stationary and moving lesions.
Because it is so precise, it does not damage tissues or organs
neighboring the targeted area.
At the core of the CyberKnife System is its interactive
robotics technology that continuously and automatically tracks the patient's
position-including his or her respiratory motion-while simultaneously tracking
the lesion's position. It uses this information to guide and position each
treatment beam to target the lesion precisely.
CyberKnife was invented at Stanford University and designed by
Accuray, Inc., a company that is exclusively devoted to manufacturing and
distributing the product.
CyberKnife stereotactic
radiosurgery uses computer technology that allows doctors to deliver radiation
with unprecedented precision, and without the uncomfortable screws or frames
that were previously used to immobilize patients during treatment.
A new upgrade in November 2004 included Skeletal Structure Tracking (SST) for
spinal radiosurgery. The use of SST eliminates the use of
fiducials for treating patients with spinal lesions.
An upgrade in May 2004 included
Synchrony Motion Tracking for extracranial treatments such as lung, pancreas
and liver cases. With Synchrony,
patients do not have to hold their breath during treatment. Treatment time is
much shorter now. Upgrade also includes the AXUM autocouch, which also reduces a
patient's treatment time.
CyberKnife