CyberKnife offers patients a non-invasive option for both primary and metastatic liver cancer treatment with great success.
It is used to treat lesions in people who are not candidates for surgery, those who choose not to have surgery, or those who have failed chemotherapy treatment.
Treating liver cancer with traditional radiation therapy is not an option due to the sensitivity of liver tissue to radiation. CyberKnife’s tracking technology eliminates that risk.
The system can continuously pinpoint and follow a tumor’s exact location as the patient breathes normally while on the treatment table, enabling 100 to 200 radiation beams to attack only the tumor from all different angles, leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
It kills the tumor cells and over time the tumor disappears. CyberKnife Radiotherapy delivers high doses of radiation in three to five treatments with excellent control rates.
If there is a recurrence, we can often treat it again, even if it is close to the previously treated area.
Radiation Oncologist at CyberKnife Miami, Dr. Mark Pomper talks about CyberKnife vs surgery for liver cancer, also known as liver resectioning. And which is the best treatment given particular circumstances.
Our CyberKnife team of specialists includes: Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, and specially trained Radiation Therapists.
The Radiation Oncologist determines the target area for treatment along with the critical structures and determines the total and daily dose of radiation to safely give based on the size and type of tumor.
The Medical Physicist makes the treatment plan for each patient based on the Radiation Oncologists orders.
Our specially trained Radiation Therapists under the supervision of the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist delivers the treatment. Our team has been at CyberKnife Miami since 2004 making us one of the most experienced CyberKnife teams in the country.
The CyberKnife treatment is completely pain free. Patients dress comfortably in their own clothes and can bring music to listen to during the treatment. Nothing will be required of the patient during the treatment, except to relax. In fact, patients often sleep through the treatment.
There are generally only minimal side effects from CyberKnife treatments, which may include mild nausea and fatigue.
After completing the CyberKnife treatment, patients will schedule follow-up appointments.
You will be required to have follow-up scans in four to eight weeks. (CT, MRI, or PET scan) Your doctor will determine when those are necessary. The tumor will take some time before it is not active or undetectable.
Response to treatment varies from patient to patient. However, clinical experience has shown that most patients respond very well to CyberKnife treatments.
What are the Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
Some symptoms of liver cancer are:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Abdomen pain
- The feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
What are the Risk Factors of Liver Cancer?
The two most prominent risk factors for liver cancer are alcohol abuse and smoking tobacco. Existing conditions may also increase your risk of developing liver cancer such as cirrhosis of the liver, metabolic diseases, and diabetes.
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Most cases of liver cancer are detected when a patient complains of any of the above symptoms. The doctor will then prescribe tests such as:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Ultrasound
Where Can I Get Liver Cancer Treatment in Miami?
You can receive radiation therapy for liver cancer treatment in Miami by visiting the CyberKnife Cancer Treatment Center.
Am I A Candidate for Liver Cancer Treatment with CyberKnife?
Most patients are a candidate for CyberKnife treatment for liver cancer, however, in order to determine if you are eligible to receive radiation therapy with the CyberKnife Center of Miami, one of our specially trained Radiation Oncologists will need to meet with you for a consultation.
During your consultation, the Radiation Oncologist will review your medical history, your cancer diagnosis, your personal information and review your previous imaging studies.
To book your consultation please call our office at (800) 204-0455.
Here’s an educational video showing you exactly how the CyberKnife treatment works. We want our patients to know everything they can so they feel at ease should they choose CyberaKnife as their treatment.