The experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami, the premiere cancer treatment center in South Florida for non-invasive radiation therapy, know you have questions when it comes to cancer treatment, radiation and CyberKnife specifically.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most frequently asked questions about CyberKnife cancer treatment to make it easy for you to understand your options.
To get started, let’s tell you what CyberKnife actually is. CyberKnife treats cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where patients may need radiation, and it’s not a knife at all. Instead, CyberKnife uses state-of-the-art technology called image guided linear accelerator to deliver precision stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) – effectively killing the cancer and preventing it from returning. Now let’s get to those questions.
What is the success rate of CyberKnife?
For clarification, it’s important to understand what success rate is and how it differs from survival rate. According to the Mayo Clinic, survival rate is “the percentage of people who survive a certain type of cancer for a specific amount of time.”
Success rate often refers to how well specific treatments work for a specific type of cancer. And CyberKnife offers similar success rates as surgery and other radiation interventions – without many of the harsh side effects. That means easier tolerated treatments in a faster timeframe. Here are just a few examples.
For liver cancer, CyberKnife “can offer sustained tumor control with a low risk of serious toxicity and similar clinical outcomes to surgery with milder adverse events,” according to Accuray, the maker of CyberKnife.
For brain cancer: “Extensive clinical research demonstrates that brain SRS with the CyberKnife System delivers excellent short and long term outcomes.”
And for prostate cancer, CyberKnife offers a 98% success rate.
What is the difference between radiation and CyberKnife?
CyberKnife is one of the most advanced forms of radiation available today.
“The CyberKnife uses the combination of a robotic arm and image guidance technology for sub-millimeter accuracy. Because of the flexibility of the robotic arm, the system is able to reach areas of the body that are unreachable by other radiosurgery systems,” according to CyberKnife Miami.
Because CyberKnife is so targeted, most treatment plans can be completed in fewer than five sessions over one or two weeks instead of 30 to 40 treatments over two months with other traditional forms of radiation.
How long does it take to recover from a CyberKnife?
With CyberKnife treatments there is little to no downtime. That doesn’t mean you won’t experience any side effects. Depending on the area being treated, you may have some discomfort. But keep in mind, talking to your doctor is key to minimizing any side effects. There are ways to prevent and relieve symptoms with medications and other options.
Is CyberKnife treatment painful?
No. CyberKnife is an outpatient procedure with no cutting and no anesthesia.
“Treatment is painless. You will not feel anything as the radiation is delivered. You will hear and see the CyberKnife machine moving and setting up for the next position in treatment. Relaxing is the best thing you can do, while lying still,” according to the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
What cancers are treated with a CyberKnife?
CyberKnife can successfully treat cancers of the prostate, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, head and neck, lymph nodes and brain as well as other metastatic cancers.
It can also be used for non-cancerous tumors like acoustic neuromas.
What is the downside of CyberKnife?
CyberKnife treatment has more than two decades of clinical efficacy. The treatment is safe, effective, minimizes damage to vital organs near the tumor, has few side effects, little downtime and a high success rate. The biggest downside is not consulting with a CyberKnife center like CyberKnife Miami before deciding on the treatment plan that’s best for you. We are here to help you whether we’re the first experts you consult or you need a second opinion.
Do you lose your hair with CyberKnife?
The radiation from CyberKnife isn’t likely to result in hair loss because the treatment is so focused on a target area.
However, if a brain lesion is being treated, a patch of hair could be affected. “The hair may grow back, but not in all cases. Patients receive instructiona before and after treatment and have an opportunity to talk with members of the medical team so that they are aware of possible events specific to their case,” CyberKnife Miami experts say.
Who is not a candidate for CyberKnife?
Nearly anyone can be a candidate for CyberKnife – including those with hard-to-treat cancers, older or frail patients are most often excellent candidate, and those who have had radiation before.
CyberKnife is ideal for patients who want or need an alternative to surgery, those who have already received the maximum allowable dose of radiation, those who don’t want treatment with a stereotactic frame screwed into their head, and those who need radiation as an adjunct to another type of treatment like chemotherapy.
If you want to know if you’re a candidate, or if you want to discuss your case with one of our experts, you can call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website www.cyberknifemiami.com.
How many times can you have a CyberKnife?
CyberKnife is safe – even for patients who have had radiation before. According to Accuray, patients who are treated with CyberKnife can also be treated again in the event of a recurrence. And CyberKnife patients can still be candidates for other types of treatments in the event of a recurrence as well.
Does insurance cover CyberKnife?
According to Accuray, as of January of 2020 most insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid cover CyberKnife treatments.
However, it’s best to check with your individual insurance policy. The friendly staff at CyberKnife Miami will work with you to navigate the insurance maze and help you to get the answers you need.
Can I drive after a CyberKnife Treatment?
Yes You Can. As long as you’re comfortable, you can drive right after treatment.
According to Accuray: CyberKnife was designed “to effectively control the cancer while minimizing side effects and the impact of treatment on patients’ daily lives. The majority of patients can continue normal activity during and immediately following CyberKnife treatments — compared to the typical requirement to limit normal activity several weeks after traditional surgery. In some circumstances, complications may occur.”
CyberKnife Miami
CyberKnife Miami opened 20 years ago.
We were the first CyberKnife center to open in the Southeast. We’re here to help you whether you come to us first, if you’re seeking a second opinion or you’re confused about the right treatment option for your particular cancer.
If you would like to find out more about treatment with CyberKnife, call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website now for more information www.cyberknifemiami.com.