Understanding the CyberKnife Procedure: What to Expect at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore

Understanding the CyberKnife Procedure: What to Expect at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore

Overview

In a quantum leap towards providing a safer alternative for inoperable tumours, the innovative CyberKnife® technology is the world’s first and only robotic radiosurgery system that can operate on tumours anywhere in the body with sub-millimetre accuracy. It is a non-invasive alternative to surgery that is suitable for cancer patients who previously had no options or only high-risk options. The novelty approach in the Asia Pacific region to treating inoperable tumours, CyberKnife® Robotic RadioSurgery System, is introduced in India by Apollo Hospitals Group, offering unparalleled quality oncologic care treatments for our patients.

What is CyberKnife®?

The CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery system is a state-of-the-art, advanced radiotherapy equipment for robotic radiosurgery treatment that enables oncologists to treat various cancerous tumours without the need for invasive operation. The CyberKnife® system uses a pencil beam of radiation, which can be directed at any part of the body and from different angles with the help of robotic arms. The system can track the location of the tumour, detect any movement of the tumour, and reposition itself on its own. Subsequently, it then targets the tumour with multiple beams of high-energy radiation and destroys it without damaging the surrounding tissues.

This innovative approach is so convenient and accurate that it can be used to treat tumours that were previously thought to be inoperable. Additionally, since this approach doesn’t involve surgical intervention, there are less chances of complications as well as the period of time required to recover from the treatment procedure. Most patients can be discharged on the same day of the treatment.

How Does the CyberKnife® System Work?

The CyberKnife® Robotic RadioSurgery System brings a ray of new hope for treating tumours that were previously considered to be untreatable. This system makes use of an advanced lightweight linear accelerator (LINAC) device to deliver high-energy beams of radiation, which can be directed towards the tumour from any direction aided by the robotic arm. The robotic arm is vital to delivering these radiation beams precisely in the carefully mapped area while monitoring the movement of the patient during the treatment session. A pair of X-ray cameras is able to obtain images of the patient during the treatment. By detecting movement in the patient, the robotic system can adjust itself to allow retargeting of the linear accelerator before delivering the radiation beam.

Using the CyberKnife® system involves the collaboration of several oncologic experts. Before the patient is prepared for irradiation, he/she is required to undergo an extensive evaluation process.
Step 1: Consultation
The care team corresponds with the patients to determine the objectives of the treatment.
Step 2: Preparation
In some forms of cancer, like prostate cancer or some other non-head lesion, patients may need to undergo a short outpatient procedure to implant several metal markers (fiducials) that mark the location of the tumours for the CyberKnife® system to detect and deliver radiation beams throughout treatment. Lesions in the head don’t require this step. Patients may also be provided with a custom-fit soft mask or body mould to minimise movement during the treatment and ensure comfort and uniform delivery of radiation. It is a pain-free, simple process.
Step 3: Image Acquisition
To plan the procedure and equip patients with the information about the tumours, such as its size, shape, and location of the tumour, a CT scan is performed. Additional scans like MRI, PET CT/angiography may also be done if necessary.
Step 4: Treatment Planning
The information obtained during imaging scans are transferred to the CyberKnife® workstation to generate a treatment plan. This step involves the collaborative efforts of various oncology experts along with Clinicians and Physicists. The CyberKnife® system is under regular quality control by trained physicians. Subsequently, an individualised treatment plan will be formulated that will maximise the efficacy and minimise the risks involved.
Step 5: Treatment Procedure
Once the treatment plan has been finalised, the CyberKnife® system is programmed to follow the specific instructions of the treatment. The system moves slowly around the patient to deliver radiation to the tumour from various directions. Each treatment session typically lasts for about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of tumour to be treated.

In case the radiation treatment using the CyberKnife® system is delivered in stages, the patient will need to return to the hospital for additional treatments over several days.
Step 6: Follow-up Visits
In many cases, patients can return home the same day as the treatment and resume their activities after the completion of the treatment. However, the consultant oncologist will provide the final verdict on this. Patients will need to visit their doctors for follow-up monitoring as scheduled.

During the follow-up appointments, the patient may be evaluated with a combination of CT, MRI, and/or PET scans, which will be performed in the following months after the treatment to assess the tumour’s response to the irradiation.

CyberKnife® Robotic RadioSurgery at Apollo Specialty Cancer Hospital

Apollo Specialty Cancer Hospital has been a trailblazer since its inception, providing unparalleled oncologic care treatments with the primary goal of optimal patient care and treatment outcomes in mind. Supported by state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology, our coordinated multidisciplinary approach delivers the most effective treatment with immense care. Our team also engages in active patient education and improving their quality of life with the help of medical counsellors, speech therapists, dieticians and other professionals as may be appropriate to the individual case.

With cutting-edge technology-enabled treatment procedures made available to bring world-class healthcare closer to you, at Apollo Cancer Centre, we strive to provide the best care and treatment for cancers with the apex level of expertise and compassion.