CyberKnife® Radiation Therapy in Central New York
At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, we proudly offer CyberKnife® radiation therapy, the most advanced form of radiation available today. We are the only cancer center in the Central New York region with this technology, providing highly precise, non-invasive treatment close to home.
Our CyberKnife system is located at our East Syracuse office, making it easily accessible for patients from Syracuse, Oneida, Verona, Utica, and surrounding areas.
What is CyberKnife for Cancer Treatment?
CyberKnife is a robotic radiation therapy system used to treat tumors throughout the body. Despite its name, it is not a surgical knife and does not involve an incision.
CyberKnife delivers highly focused radiation beams from hundreds of different angles, allowing the radiation oncologist to target tumors with extreme precision. The system uses real-time 3-D imaging and motion-tracking technology to continuously monitor the tumor's position and automatically adjust the treatment angle if the patient moves or breathes.
There are two types of treatment provided using CyberKnife:
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is typically used to treat tumors and other conditions in the brain and central nervous system.
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is used to treat tumors elsewhere in the body, especially those that move from breathing or bowel movements while lying still during treatment.
Types of Cancer Treated with CyberKnife
Stereotactic radiosurgery or stereotactic body radiotherapy are especially useful when the tumor is located near a critical system or in areas of the body that move when breathing or from bowel movements, such as:
It is also effective for tumors that have spread to the spine, bones, adrenal glands, or lymph nodes.
Benefits of CyberKnife Treatment
In simple terms, CyberKnife combines advanced imaging, robotic technology, and highly targeted radiation to deliver SRS and SBRT treatments with sub-millimeter accuracy, making it one of the most precise radiation therapy systems available today. Benefits of using CyberKnife include:
- Noninvasive cancer treatment with no surgery required
- High precision that helps protect healthy surrounding tissue
- Fewer treatment sessions compared with conventional radiation therapy, often 1 to 5 treatments
- Ability to treat tumors in hard-to-reach locations
- Real-time tumor tracking that adjusts for breathing and patient movement
- Effective treatment for tumors that move during breathing, such as those in the lung and liver
- Minimal side effects and recovery time
How CyberKnife Works
Using advanced imaging and robotic technology, CyberKnife continuously tracks tumor movement during treatment, including movement caused by breathing, and adjusts the delivery of radiation in real time. This allows radiation to be delivered directly to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
The HOACNY radiation oncologist creates a highly precise plan for each patient based on the type of cancer, its location, and the tumor size.
CyberKnife combines:
- A robotic arm-mounted linear accelerator (LINAC) that delivers radiation from multiple angles
- Real-time imaging to track tumor position
- Advanced software that adapts to patient movement
This level of precision enables your care team to treat tumors that may be difficult to reach or located near vital organs.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment with CyberKnife is painless. Patients lie comfortably while the robotic arm moves around their body. The machine continuously tracks the tumor’s position for accuracy. Each session typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes and is generally completed within one week.
You will also have a planning session before treatment begins to be sure the treatment is delivered to precisely the correct location and to be sure the patient is located in the same position for each treatment session.
Even when surgery is an option, it often involves removing a margin of healthy tissue around the cancerous area. With the CyberKnife system, only the cancerous tissue is targeted, sparing healthy tissue.
Is CyberKnife Right for You?
Not every patient or tumor is suitable for CyberKnife treatment. A member of our radiation oncology team will evaluate several factors, including the type, size, and location of the tumor, along with your previous treatments, overall health, and personal treatment goals, to determine if this approach is right for you. Other types of radiation therapy may be more suitable, or medical oncology therapies.
Choosing HOACNY for CyberKnife Radiation Therapy
Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY is the only provider in Central New York offering CyberKnife technology. Our radiation oncology team consists of experienced, board-certified professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care close to home.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to learn if CyberKnife is an option, she's the location most convenient for you to schedule an appointment.
