If you or a loved one is interested in receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer, it’s important to take time to meet with your physician and ask questions so you and your family feel prepared for the treatment process. Below are a few suggested questions to discuss more in depth with your doctor.
What makes CyberKnife® different from other prostate cancer treatment options?
CyberKnife offers a number of advantages that differentiate it from other treatment methods. Below is an overview of the options available.
What are the main benefits of CyberKnife for prostate cancer?
CyberKnife treatment can help minimize impact on overall quality of life by reducing recovery and treatment time while allowing patients to maintain their daily routines.
CyberKnife noninvasively and painlessly delivers stereotactic body radiation therapy. During treatment, the technology moves around the patient without touching them, to precisely target and deliver radiation to the prostate while reducing exposure to nearby healthy tissue. The CyberKnife’s advanced tracking system can also compensate for the unpredictable movement of the prostate gland during treatment; ensuring radiation beams remain locked on the target through the duration of treatment.
Are there any side effects of CyberKnife treatment?
Early side effects may include constipation and urinary retention during or after treatment, and are typically gone within a few weeks. Late side effects can occur months or years later; such effects may require intervention. Discuss your specific case with your physician/s to fully understand the potential risks associated with your treatment.
For more information or to discuss these questions and more, contact our center at (512) 324-8060.
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.