CyberKnife

At Boston Medical Center (BMC), we are proud to offer the latest in advanced non-invasive treatment options with the CyberKnife® S7 system for radiosurgery. The CyberKnife® S7 represents the forefront of technology, combining precision robotics, advanced imaging, and real-time tracking to deliver targeted radiation to treat a variety of complex medical conditions, including cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, as well as other challenging conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). As one of the few centers in New England to provide this groundbreaking technology, BMC offers patients access to a state-of-the-art, non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery.

What is CyberKnife®?

CyberKnife® is a robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors and other conditions with high-energy radiation, including X-rays or photons, delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, the CyberKnife® system uses a robotic arm, which moves around the patient to target the tumor from thousands of different angles. This precise, flexible delivery allows for focused treatment while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue.

How CyberKnife® Works

During radiosurgery with the Cyberknife® robot, our surgeons use computers and advanced imaging equipment to focus the radiation dose precisely on a location where a tumor is located. The robotic arm moves around the patient during the treatment, delivering the energy in a series of highly focused beams, each one centered on the abnormal tissue. Many beams are used, each delivered at slightly different angles. 

During treatment, the CyberKnife® system uses advanced imaging techniques to map the exact location of the tumor in real-time. With this data, the system can continuously adjust and target the tumor during treatment, even as the patient moves or breathes. 

Each beam passes through a different area of normal tissue on its way to the abnormal tissue. The abnormal tissue receives much more total radiation dose than any individual area of the surrounding normal tissue does. This results in less injury to the normal tissue than conventional radiation. 

Each treatment session is designed to deliver a series of high-energy beams of radiation that converge on the tumor, ensuring it receives a high dose while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Because of this precise targeting, CyberKnife® can treat tumors in challenging locations, including those in the brain, spine, lung, and prostate, and is often an ideal option for patients with multiple or inoperable tumors.

Conditions Treated with CyberKnife®:

The CyberKnife® system is effective for a broad range of medical conditions, including:

• Brain tumors (e.g., acoustic neuroma, pituitary tumors)
• Spinal tumors
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Cerebral aneurysms
• Metastatic lesions
• Recurrent cancers

Why Choose CyberKnife®?

CyberKnife® is a cutting-edge treatment option that offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery. The advantages of CyberKnife® treatment include:

• No incisions or scars: CyberKnife® treatment is completely non-invasive, meaning no surgical cuts or scars are involved.
• Outpatient treatment: Most patients can undergo CyberKnife® treatment in one to five outpatient sessions, with no anesthesia required.
• Precision: The robotic arm delivers radiation from multiple angles, allowing for superior precision and reduced exposure to healthy tissues.
• Minimal discomfort: The treatment is pain-free, and patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after each session.
• Reduced risk of side effects: With its pinpoint accuracy, CyberKnife® minimizes the risk of side effects often associated with traditional radiation therapy.

What to Expect During Treatment

CyberKnife® treatment is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure. During the procedure, you will lie on a treatment table while the CyberKnife® system delivers radiation to the tumor site. The robotic arm will move around you, adjusting to the optimal angles to ensure that the radiation is precisely targeted to the tumor. Because the system uses real-time imaging, the treatment will adapt to your body’s movements, such as breathing, to ensure continued accuracy.

The number of treatment sessions required will depend on the specific condition being treated, but most patients undergo between 1 to 5 sessions. CyberKnife® treatment is designed to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines without significant interruption.

Clinical Proven Success

The CyberKnife® system has been used for over two decades, with proven success in treating thousands of patients. Its clinical track record demonstrates its ability to deliver excellent cancer control while minimizing the risk of side effects. For patients with inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or those who have already received radiation therapy, CyberKnife® provides a highly effective alternative that may offer new hope for treatment.

Why Choose BMC?

BMC is proud to be one of the few hospitals in New England offering the CyberKnife® S7 system. Our experienced team of radiation oncologists and medical professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and the latest treatments available. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a primary tumor, metastatic lesions, or a recurrent condition, the CyberKnife® S7 system offers a powerful and precise tool in the fight against cancer and other complex conditions.

If you are considering radiosurgery or have been referred for treatment with the CyberKnife® S7 system, we are here to guide you through the process and provide the best care possible.