CyberKnife is a non-invasive form of stereotactic radiosurgery that delivers highly focused radiation to treat tumors and other conditions in the brain—without an incision.
Quick Facts:
- No surgery or incision required
- Outpatient treatment in most cases
- Highly precise, targeted radiation
- Used for tumors, vascular malformations, and nerve disorders
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👉 Refer a Patient
WHAT IS CYBERKNIFE?
CyberKnife is a robotic system that delivers focused radiation beams to a specific target in the brain.
Unlike traditional surgery:
- No incision is made
- No general anesthesia is typically required
- Treatment is delivered with high precision to minimize damage to surrounding brain tissue
The goal is to control or eliminate abnormal tissue while preserving normal function.
WHY IS THIS PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
CyberKnife is used when a non-invasive approach is preferred or when surgery carries higher risk.
Common Uses
- Brain tumors (benign and malignant)
- Brain metastases
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Trigeminal neuralgia (in select cases)
👉 The goal is to treat the target while avoiding open surgery
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
Patients may be candidates if:
- The lesion is small to moderate in size
- The location makes surgery higher risk
- A non-invasive option is preferred
- The condition is appropriate for radiation treatment
- The patient cannot undergo surgery due to medical conditions
CyberKnife is often considered:
- As an alternative to surgery
- As part of a combined treatment plan
- For residual or recurrent disease
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
Step-by-Step Overview
- Planning Imaging
- MRI and/or CT scans are used to define the treatment target
- Treatment Planning
- A customized plan is created to deliver radiation precisely
- Positioning
- A comfortable mask or positioning system is used (no rigid frame needed)
- Radiation Delivery
- The robotic system delivers focused radiation beams from multiple angles
- Completion
- Treatment is completed in one or several sessions
OUR APPROACH
We focus on matching the right treatment to the right patient.
- Not all conditions are best treated with radiosurgery
- We carefully evaluate whether CyberKnife, surgery, or observation is most appropriate
- Treatment is coordinated with radiation oncology and other specialists
- The goal is effective treatment with minimal disruption to the patient’s life
👉 The best outcomes come from choosing the right approach—not just the least invasive one
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before Treatment
- MRI or CT imaging
- Consultation and treatment planning
- Discussion of expectations and timeline
Day of Treatment
- Outpatient procedure in most cases
- No incision or anesthesia required
- Each session typically lasts 30–90 minutes
After Treatment
- Most patients return to normal activities quickly
- Effects of treatment occur gradually over time
- Follow-up imaging is used to monitor response
OUTCOMES & SUCCESS RATES
Potential Benefits
- Non-invasive treatment option
- High precision targeting
- Low risk to surrounding tissue
- Effective control of many tumors and lesions
Results depend on:
- Type of condition
- Size and location of the target
- Overall treatment plan
👉 Many treatments work gradually over weeks to months
RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS
CyberKnife is generally well tolerated, but possible side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Swelling around the treatment area
- Delayed radiation effects
- Rare neurologic symptoms depending on location
👉 Risks are minimized through careful planning and targeting
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is CyberKnife really surgery?
No. It is a form of radiation therapy, not an operation.
How quickly does it work?
Results often occur gradually over weeks to months.
Will I need more than one treatment?
Some conditions are treated in a single session, others over several sessions.
Is it as effective as surgery?
In some cases yes, in others surgery may provide more immediate or definitive results.
FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS (Optional Expandable Section)
- Refer patients with:
- Brain tumors or metastases
- AVMs not suitable for surgery
- Trigeminal neuralgia (select cases)
- Imaging:
- MRI brain with contrast
- Consider referral for:
- Non-surgical treatment options
- Multidisciplinary evaluation
RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES
- Brain Tumors
- Brain Metastases
- Vascular Malformations (AVMs)
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Craniotomy for Tumor Resection
- Microvascular Decompression