Explaining CyberKnife: Radiation Exposure

CyberKnife® stereotactic radiosurgery is a treatment option for cancerous and noncancerous lesions. This noninvasive treatment delivers high-dose radiation to tumors from different angles adjusting for tumor and patient movement (breathing) during treatment.

While the phrase “high-dose radiation” can be intimidating, CyberKnife treatment actually decreases the potential for damaging healthy tissue around a tumor due to its extreme precision when delivering radiation.

Traditional radiation treatments are unable to deliver high dose radiation without exposing a large margin of surrounding tissue to the radiation. As a result, treatment often occurs over many sessions (up to 45 treatment days) using low doses of radiation. Conversely, CyberKnife uses its advanced tracking system to target tumors from multiple angles and deliver high doses of radiation over a shorter course of time, specifically no more than five treatment sessions.

Utilizing this approach, healthy tissues are minimally exposed to the radiation resulting in few to no side-effects and return to normal activities right after treatment.

If you have any additional questions about our treatment process or would like to find out if you or a loved one may be a candidate, please contact our center.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.