Step 1: Preparation
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The first step is making a mask (used
with brain tumors) or body mold. These are used to help minimize patient
movement during treatment. The process is simple and painless.
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Next, an MRI, PET or CT scan is taken.
The surgeon and radiation oncologist will use the scan to identify the exact
size, shape and location of the tumor, along with the surrounding healthy
tissues to be avoided.
Step 2: Treatment planning
Once the anatomy has been defined, your
CyberKnife team will use the CyberKnife System’s state-of-the-art software
to determine the number, intensity and direction of the radiation beams that
the robotic arm will send to the tumor. This will help ensure that a
sufficient dose is administered to the tumor in order to destroy it while
avoiding the adjacent normal tissue.
Step 3: Treatment
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Arriving for treatment
Wear comfortable clothing and no jewelry. We suggest you bring a book or
magazine to read and/or your favorite music to listen to during your
treatment. Please bring:
- Proof of insurance;
- X-ray, CT or MRI films;
- Records of any prior tests, medical,
surgical or radiation treatment;
- Dates of medical procedures related to
your condition;
- Completed health questionnaire;
- Audiogram results (if applicable);
- Vision tests (if applicable);
- Endocrine studies (if applicable).
- Medications in their original prescription
bottles.
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Positioning
During treatment you will need to lie still. No sedation or anesthesia is
required because the treatment is painless.
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Treatment, Tumor Verification &
Targeting
The treatment itself involves the administration of radiation beams
delivered from different directions. Prior to the delivery of each radiation
beam, the image-guidance system takes x-ray images and compares them to the
original CT scan. This information is used to ensure the radiation is
targeted directly at the tumor while avoiding critical structures. The
robotic arm then moves into position to deliver beam of radiation.
Following treatment
Patients generally leave the CyberKnife suite and resume normal activity
immediately following treatment. Follow up imaging is generally performed to
monitor the tumor’s progress. While waiting for your results, stay busy and
maintain a positive state of mind..