One in 22 men and one in 24 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a cancer of the colon or rectum that is located in the lower end of the digestive tract at some point in their lives.
Depending on the size, location, and stage of the cancer, patients have a choice to make on the kind of treatment they need to receive. Their options will include surgical removal of the cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments.
According to the American Cancer Society, radiation therapy – using high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells – is more often used to treat rectal cancer than colon cancer. Yet it can be highly effective in certain select cases of colon cancer. For example, radiation is effective:
- Prior to surgery (along with chemotherapy) to help shrink a tumor, making it easier to remove.
- Following surgery to kill any lingering cancer cells that may be attached to an internal organ or the lining of the abdomen.
- During surgery (in the area where the tumor existed) to destroy any cancer cells that may be left behind.
- In conjunction with chemotherapy to help control the cancer if the patient is not healthy enough for surgery.
- To relieve symptoms if advanced cancer is causing an intestinal blockage, bleeding, or pain.
- To help treat cancer that has metastasized to other areas, such as the bones or brain
The problem with traditional radiation therapy for colon cancer, however, is that it can be a long, drawn-out and uncomfortable process requiring numerous sessions over a period of weeks or months. Also, it can inadvertently damage healthy tissue and organs surrounding the cancerous tumor that is being targeted. Not to mention, it can cause uncomfortable side effects ranging from rectal irritation, fatigue and nausea to bowel incontinence and problems with healing when administered before surgery.
However, there is a better way to reap the benefits of radiation therapy without these symptoms and complications. It’s called the CyberKnife® system, also known as the Beam of Life™, a painless, non-invasive form of radio-surgery that uses advanced, image-guided robotic technology to deliver high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells without harming surrounding tissue or organs. CyberKnife is designed to target tumors with such precision that it automatically adjusts to the slightest movements – even a patient’s breathing patterns – keeping its beam focused exclusively on the tumor.
And because CyberKnife delivers such a high concentration of radiation, the effective course of treatment can be completed in as little as 3-to-5 one-hour sessions and within a matter of days instead of weeks or months. In addition, there is no downtime using the CyberKnife system and minimal side effects. Once a session is over, you are free to resume your normal activities.
CyberKnife Radiation Treatment in Miami, Florida
To learn more about CyberKnife and how it can help you, contact the CyberKnife Center of Miami at (800) 204-0455 or (305) 279-2900 to arrange a private consultation. Or use our secure online request form to make your appointment and go to our website to learn more www.cyberknifemiami.com