CyberKnife uses real-time imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, to pinpoint the exact location of the prostate tumor throughout the treatment session. This ensures that the radiation beams are focused directly on the target, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
CyberKnife's robotic arm is equipped with special tracking technology that adjusts the radiation beam in real-time to compensate for any movement, ensuring continuous and accurate targeting.
Unlike traditional radiation therapy that delivers beams from a few fixed positions, CyberKnife can deliver hundreds, even thousands, of beams from various angles. This allows for a more conformal dose distribution, meaning the radiation is concentrated on the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.
CyberKnife offers a promising alternative for prostate cancer treatment, particularly for early-stage and low-risk cases. However, it's crucial to discuss its suitability with your doctor, considering factors like your specific condition and overall health.
Advantages of Cyberknife Treatment:
Recovery after CyberKnife treatment for prostate cancer is generally quite smooth and well-tolerated compared to traditional surgery or radiation therapy. Below are a few additional tips for a smooth recovery after CyberKnife treatment:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and prevent constipation.
Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides your body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
Get Enough Rest: Your body needs time to recover, so prioritize getting enough sleep each night.
Manage Stress: Stress can worsen side effects, so find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or yoga.
Talk to Your Doctor: Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms or have any questions about your recovery.
Before undergoing CyberKnife treatment for prostate cancer, several tests are typically performed to assess the cancer's characteristics, guide treatment planning, and ensure your suitability for the procedure.
These tests will check your blood count, kidney function, and liver function.
During a DRE, your doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate gland, such as lumps or nodules.
This test measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. High levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer.
This test uses sound waves to create an image of your prostate gland. TRUS can be used to measure the size of your prostate gland and to look for any abnormalities.
MRI technique provides detailed images of the prostate gland, including its structure, blood flow, and any suspicious areas. MRI is highly accurate in identifying and characterizing prostate cancer, helping determine its aggressiveness and suitability for CyberKnife treatment.
If other tests raise suspicion of cancer, a biopsy might be recommended. During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.