Brain Cancer CyberKnife® VSI™ Robotic Radiosurgery System
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Robotic Radiosurgery for Brain Cancer
The CyberKnife® VSI™ Robotic Radiosurgery System enables our radiation oncologists to target tumors in the brain with precisely-directed radiation instead of open surgery.
CyberKnife provides a non-invasive option for brain cancer patients who are unable to undergo surgery because of the location of the tumor or other factors.
How Does CyberKnife Treat Brain Cancer?
Prior to the procedure, the patient is fitted for a soft mesh face mask, which keeps the patient’s head and neck still during treatment. A CT scan then determines the exact size, shape and location of the tumor in the brain. An MRI, PET scan or angiogram may also be necessary to fully visualize the tumor and nearby anatomy.
The image data is then digitally transferred into the CyberKnife System’s treatment planning software, so we can precisely plan treatment to match the desired radiation dose to the exact tumor location and identify critical structures in the brain to avoid.
Once treatment planning is complete, the patient is comfortably positioned on a cushioned table and their custom-fitted face mask is secured into place. Then, the system’s computer-controlled robot slowly moves around the patient, delivering radiation directly to the brain tumor.
Depending on the location of the tumor and other factors, CyberKnife treatment for brain cancer is typically completed within five days.
Advantages of CyberKnife for Brain Cancer
The CyberKnife System’s sophisticated software can pinpoint a brain tumor’s exact location in real time using X-ray images taken during treatment. This allows us to precisely deliver radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding sensitive brain tissue.
Also, unlike other radiosurgery systems, the CyberKnife System does not require patients to be fitted with a rigid, invasive head frame. Instead, patients wear a non-invasive, custom-fitted soft mesh mask.
Potential advantages of the CyberKnife VSI system for brain cancer patients include:
- Sophisticated treatment planning software
- Less damage to nearby critical structures in the brain
- No rigid, invasive head frame
- Greater comfort during treatment
- Shorter treatment times
- Faster recovery time
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