CyberKnife is a non-invasive alternative to surgery and treats tumors with accurately targeted beams of high-dose radiation. It is for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors (primarily prostate, lung, brain, spine, pancreas, and kidney cancers). This technology features a frameless robotic system that directs radiation to any part of the body from any direction. The treatment is pain-free.
The patient receives a high-resolution CT scan to determine the size, shape and exact location of the tumor. This data is then transferred to the CyberKnife and the desired dose of radiation is calculated. The robotic arm will then slowly move around the patient and deliver radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
With CyberKnife, setup, planning and radiation delivery can take place during different visits, unlike other frame-based technology treatments, allowing a patient to return home after setup and return on a separate day for treatment delivery.
SSM Cancer Care at St. Joseph Hospital West offers the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System through a collaboration with Saint Louis University Hospital. It is only one of two in metropolitan St. Louis and one of three in the state of Missouri. We are excited to offer the most advanced technology for the treatment of cancer.