CyberKnife® for Prostate Cancer Treatment in Central NY
When detected early, most prostate cancers can be treated successfully, especially when the tumor is still contained within the prostate. Today, prostate cancer patients have access to a wide variety of treatment options, including active surveillance, radiation therapy, surgery, and hormone therapy. The best option for you depends on various factors, such as the specifics of your cancer, your age, lifestyle, and overall health.
In cases where active surveillance isn't an option, many men opt for radiation therapy over surgery when possible. At HOA we offer a sophisticated radiation delivery system, called CyberKnife®, which treats prostate tumors in fewer visits compared to conventional radiotherapy and with fewer side effects, allowing you to get back to your daily life more quickly.
What Is CyberKnife Technology?
CyberKnife is a state-of-the-art stereotactic radiation therapy system. It delivers high-dose radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy and can treat tumors anywhere in the body, including in the prostate. Despite its name, this is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that does not involve any cutting or incisions.
CyberKnife® uses a linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm that moves around the patient, delivering radiation beams from multiple angles. Advanced real-time imaging allows the radiation specialist to continuously monitor the position of the prostate, while its motion-tracking ability adapts to any slight movements, ensuring precise targeting throughout the treatment.
Additionally, CyberKnife®'s sophisticated software enables prostate cancer specialists to create personalized treatment plans that effectively deliver radiation to the targeted area while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Benefits of CyberKnife Radiation Therapy:
CyberKnife technology offers several significant benefits compared to traditional radiation therapy and prostate cancer surgery. Some key benefits of CyberKnife include:
Non-Invasive:
The procedure requires no incisions, anesthesia, or hospital visits.
High Precision:
CyberKnife delivers radiation with accuracy to within less than a millimeter, which helps protect surrounding healthy tissues. Traditional radiation therapy has a wider delivery margin, which could result in more healthy tissue damage compared to CyberKnife.
Fewer Side Effects:
The precise targeting often results in fewer and less severe side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy, which can result in more side effects due to its wider delivery margin.
Better Quality of Life:
Many patients continue their normal activities throughout the treatment process.
Effective Treatment:
Research shows that CyberKnife treatment can control prostate cancer as effectively as traditional radiation therapy or surgery
Fewer Treatments:
CyberKnife uses higher doses of radiation than traditional radiation therapy, so patients need fewer treatment sessions. Traditional radiation therapy may require over 30 visits, but CyberKnife treatment can often be completed in as few as five visits. Additionally, treatments are performed in our East Syracuse office, conveniently located off Route 481, with free parking. With fewer appointments close to home, you'll experience less disruption to your daily life.
Determining If Non-Surgical CyberKnife Is Right for You
CyberKnife is a great option for men with prostate cancer, especially if they want to avoid surgery or conventional radiation therapy. You may benefit from CyberKnife if you:
- Have early-stage, localized prostate cancer
- Want shorter treatment time
- Cannot have surgery because of your age or health issues
- Want to lower the risk of urinary and sexual side effects
At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, we will carefully assess your situation to determine if CyberKnife® is the right treatment for you. We're committed to providing you with the most effective, personalized care possible.
By using CyberKnife technology, Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY leads in advanced prostate cancer treatment in Syracuse and the surrounding region. Our commitment to precision, effectiveness, and patient-centered care gives you the best options for your prostate cancer journey.
Patient Experience: A First-Hand Account of Receiving CyberKnife Treatment
Frank's Story
Frank was also featured in this news story from LocalSyr.com: Wellness Wednesday: One man’s cancer treatment cut down by five weeks thanks to non-invasive treatment.
Dale's Story
What to Expect With CyberKnife Treatment for Prostate Cancer
The CyberKnife process begins with some preparation before you actually receive treatments.
First, you will have a short outpatient procedure where a physician will implant tiny gold pellets, called fiducial markers, into your prostate. These markers serve as reference points to help track the tumor.
Next, high-resolution CT scans and MRI images will be taken. These images create a detailed 3D map of the prostate and surrounding areas. Your care team will use these images to create a personalized treatment plan, determining how much radiation you need and the angles for the beams.
At HOA, our multidisciplinary team carefully evaluates each case to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Factors considered include:
- Cancer stage and grade
- Prostate size and location
- Overall health and medical history
- Patient preferences and lifestyle considerations
About a week after your treatment plan is ready, you will begin treatment sessions. Each session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.
During each session, you will lie comfortably on the treatment table while the CyberKnife® system delivers radiation. The system will continuously monitor the position of your prostate and adjust the radiation beams as necessary to ensure accuracy.
Most patients complete their CyberKnife® treatment for prostate cancer in 5 sessions, on alternate days, over 10 days. This is much shorter than the 30 to 40 sessions over several weeks that is needed for traditional radiation therapy. Side effects are typically minimal, which allows patients to quickly get back to their daily routines during or after treatment.
After completing CyberKnife treatment, you will receive comprehensive follow-up care, including:
- Regular PSA testing to monitor if you are responding to treatment
- Management of any lingering side effects
- Ongoing support for overall health and well-being
Watch the video below to see a demonstration of how CyberKnife® works.
The Latest Prostate Cancer Treatments Including CyberKnife at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY
At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, we take pride in our team of world-class prostate cancer specialists. These experts work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care for each patient. Our team of radiation oncologists at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY have extensive experience with CyberKnife technology. Our CyberKnife program has treated hundreds of prostate cancer patients with excellent outcomes.
As the only CyberKnife provider in a 150-mile radius from CNY, we accept patient inquiries about prostate cancer treatment even without a direct physician referral.
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures you receive the most effective therapies tailored to your unique needs. We care for patients throughout Central New York, specifically in the Syracuse area, including Camillus and all of Onondaga County; in Auburn, and the rest of Cayuga County; in Oneida County, including Utica and Verona; in Madison County, including Oneida; in Watertown, and throughout Jefferson County; and throughout Oswego County.
