Brain Tumors
Stereotactic Radiosurgery is an advanced form of neurosurgery that has long been the domain of neurosurgeons (and radiation oncologists) because of its powerful usefulness in the treatment of intracranial lesions.
At the Cyberknife Institute of Mercy Hospital, we are practicing the most advanced, yet safe, techniques for the treatment of intracranial tumors and vascular lesions. During a CyberKnife treatment, imaging cameras determine the actual location of the lesion. Each time the robotic arm repositions to deliver another fraction of the ablative dose, the CyberKnife computer recalculates the true position of the targeted area. The result is unsurpassed, submillimeter accuracy. This advanced procedure is performed without the need for the stereotactic head frame that is used in other radiosurgical treatments. Thereby reducing the overall treatment time, and anesthesia is unnecessary and the process is painless and comfortable. Also, because the CyberKnife does not require a stereotactic head frame, a CyberKnife treatment can be delivered in several fractions (up to five sessions), if necessary, to spare surrounding healthy tissue.
Yet, CyberKnife goes beyond intracranial lesions. Because highly-accurate, stereotactic Radiosurgery is achieved without a head frame, the ability to treat Radiosurgically now includes tumors and lesions of the spine. At the CyberKnife Institute at Mercy Hospital, we use the very latest CyberKnife hardware and software, including the world’s first next-generation linear accelerator. In other words, we have the power to treat more patients with improved accuracy, in less time, and with less patient risk and discomfort than is possible with other forms of radiosurgery.
With Cyberknife, the range of tumors treatable with stereotactic Radiosurgical ablation has increased, and now includes, among other ailments, extra-cranial lesions. Clinical indications include:
Astrocytoma, Glioma, Glioblastoma Multiforme, Oligodendroglioma
Cyberknife offers superior conformance to tumor shape, which is important for future treatment for recurrence. Cyberknife can also irradiate the tumor bed to delay recurrence.
Brain Metastases
Radiosurgery may be equal to surgery for single metastasis, and may perform better for multiple metastases. Advanced imaging allows the Cyberknife to treat those metastases that are widely dispersed.
Pituitary Adenoma
Cyberknife’s staged treatments may help avoid the risk of visual loss and other side effects associated with single-session radiosurgery. Its superior conformance minimizes irradiation of normal tissue, including the optic chiasm and hypothalamus.
Hemangioblastoma
Cyberknife noninvasively ablates the tumor nodule, usually in one session, even in hard-to-reach areas. This is especially beneficial for von hippel linau patients who can become disabled by multiple surgeries.
Skull Base Tumors
The proximity of these tumors to vital nerve and vascular structures makes them surgically problematic. Risk of injury, infection and residual tumor growth make Cyberknife a leading treatment.
Chordoma
While chordomas are radio-resistant and close to vital structures, superior conformance and staged sessions permit higher doses and repeat treatments. Cyberknife should be considered as an initial treatment option.
Meningioma
For smaller meningiomas, radiosurgery is an ideal therapy. Cyberknife is especially safe for meningiomas adjacent to critical structures because it can be delivered in fractions
Neurofibroma & Schwannoma
While these tumors’ resistance to radiation makes conventional audiotherapy an option only when surgery is not, Cyberknife’s conformance makes it an effective alternative to radiation therapy and surgery for selected patients.
Acoustic Neuroma
Studies show that a Cyberknife treatment in stages offers the highest rates ever achieved for hearing and facial-nerve preservation.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Unlike invasive therapies and conventional radiotherapy, the Cyberknife procedure is painless, frameless, and less risky, and therefore more easily repeated to treat recurrence.
Intracranial ArterioVenous Malformations (AVMs)
With a Cyberknife procedure, we can treat locations that can’t be safely approached with microsurgery or endovascular therapy. AVMs have an 80% chance of disappearing in a single treatment session. Cyberknife can also be used in conjunction with other therapies to remove remnants.
Spinal AVMs
Cyberknife is the first system to offer radiosurgical treatment of Spinal AVMs. The Cyberknife provides the same accuracy and success as for intracranial AVMs.
