CyberKnife Frequently Asked Questions
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What is CyberKnife?
CyberKnife is a nonsurgical way to deliver high-dose radiation to cancerous or noncancerous tumors with extreme accuracy, while not damaging healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. CyberKnife System’s treatment accuracy is unrivaled. Its ability to treat tumors with pin-point accuracy is unmatched by other radiation therapy and radiosurgery systems. The CyberKnife System can essentially “paint” the tumor with radiation allowing it to precisely deliver treatment to the tumor alone, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
What can it treat?
CyberKnife can treat cancerous and non-cancerous tumors throughout the body including the brain, neck, spine, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas and prostate.
What makes it different from other radiosurgery?
CyberKnife has extreme accuracy, targeting the tumor hitting it at hundreds of different angles. It uses the combination of robotics and image guidance to deliver the treatment. It also detects movement of the tumor during the treatment and during breathing to deliver an even more accurate dose.
What are the benefits or why choose CyberKnife?
CyberKnife is a painless treatment. No anesthesia or hospitalization. A typical session is only 30 to 90 minutes. It is up to 5 days of treatment instead of weeks of radiation. After treatment you can go along with daily activities. There are minimal to no side effects. It delivers precise targeting of the tumor and little to no damage to the healthy tissue around it.
How do I know if I can be treated with CyberKnife?
To see if you are fit to be a candidate, make an appointment with our staff at 973-322-5630 to discuss treatment options and see if CyberKnife will work for you.
After CyberKnife, will my tumor disappear?
The full effects of CyberKnife can be seen over the course of several months depending on the tumor and location. At Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, you will have follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the treatment.
Can I receive CyberKnife following conventional radiation therapy?
In most cases CyberKnife can be used to retreat the area. The frequency depends on where the tumor is located and what is being treated.
Is CyberKnife covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes it is covered. Our staff will work with your insurance providers to have the treatment covered if it is determined that you are an eligible candidate for treatment.