- CyberKnife Technology

CyberKnife: How Does It Work?

The CyberKnife uses a compact linear accelerator (LINAC) mounted on a robotic arm to deliver concentrated beams of radiation to the targeted tumor from multiple positions and angles. Through the use of image guidance cameras the CyberKnife system locates the position of the tumor in the body and uses its robotic arm to deliver highly focused beams of radiation that converge at the tumor. Thus, the tumor receives a cumulative dose of radiation high enough to control or kill the tumor cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The CyberKnife is the only system available which can also compensate for patient movement to ensure highly accurate delivery of radiation during treatment.

Because of its high precision and accuracy, the CyberKnife at Rocky Mountain CyberKnife can non-invasively achieve a surgical-like outcome for lesions in the body. The CyberKnife is the first and only commercial application of robotic stereotactic radiosurgery for the spine, the spinal cord and other lesions throughout the body.

The patient lies on a table and wears a custom-fit mesh facemask or body immobilizer while the robotic arm controls the linear accelerator and delivers the radiation. Most treatments typically last 30-60 minutes per lesion, after which the patient can get up and go home the same day. Patients being treated for extracranial tumors or lesions may need to undergo placement of fiducials, or "markers" near the tumor, prior to treatment.