What to Expect

Stereotactic radiosurgery with the CyberKnife® radiation delivery system is a procedure used to treat tumors and other conditions without having to make an incision (opening in the skin). The treatment can also be used for people who cannot have surgery, or because they have other serious health issues.

The CyberKnife® uses a computer controlled robotic arm that moves slowly around you. Many beams of high dose radiation are directed to the area that needs to be treated, while you lie on a special table. The beams are silent and invisible. They are painless; you will not be able to feel them as they pass through your body.

To begin the tour, click on Step 1 below.

Preparing for your CyberKnife® Treatment

The CyberKnife® Surgeon, Radiation Oncologist and CyberKnife® Nurse Coordinators will talk with you about the procedure. You will have consultation appointments with both the CyberKnife® Surgeon and the Radiation Oncologist. Before your procedure can be done, you will need to have certain tests. These tests may include blood work and a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan.

Treatment Planning

After your appointments with the CyberKnife® Surgeon and the Radiation Oncologist, you will return to the Radiation Oncology department for what is known as a treatment planning CT scan. It is important for you to be still during treatment. If your tumor or condition is located within the skull a custom-fitted plastic mesh mask is made for you. If your tumor is located outside of the skull, a custom molded cradle is made for you to lie on during treatment. You may be fitted for a vest that tracks your breathing pattern. The CT scan is then done with you in the "cradle" and/or vest. Once the scan is complete the doctors create a treatment plan for you. This part of the planning and preparation usually takes a few weeks to complete.

Treatment

When the treatment plan is finished, you will be given a date and time for your CyberKnife® treatment. You may receive one to five treatments over a one-week period of time. Each treatment can take up to 90 minutes. Here is some information about treatment day:

Please wear loose comfortable clothes to the procedure. Most people will not need to
change into a hospital gown.
You may eat normally and continue your usual activities.
You may take all your regular medications before the treatment.
Do not wear any jewelry to the procedure.
Do not use moisturizers, lotions, creams, powders, or deodorant on the area to be treated
4 hours before your treatment.

A family member or friend should come with you to the hospital on the day treatment. He or she will wait in the Radiation Oncology waiting area while you are receiving your treatment.

After treatment

There are minimal side effects from CyberKnife® treatment. The most common of these is fatigue or feeling tired. In most cases you will be able to go back to your usual activities but please plan to have someone drive you home following the treatment. If you think you may have a problem with transportation please let one of the CyberKnife® nurses know.

You will return soon after your treatment for a follow-up visit with the doctors. Several months after treatment you will see the doctors and have follow-up scans to check your response to the treatment.