CyberKnife Treatment Process

Fiducial Placement

Some patients with extracranial lesions may require small gold markers called fiducials to be implanted in a short outpatient procedure to allow the CyberKnife to track the tumor or lesion. Patients with intracranial lesions do not require this step.

Treatment Set-Up

The patient is scheduled to visit to the hospital where a custom face-mask (for head/neck treatments) or body mold is formed. These painless devices are used to help minimize movement during treatment and to ensure comfort.

Imaging

The patient typically returns 1 or 2 days later for computed tomography (CT). The imaging data are downloaded to the CyberKnife computer and used to customize a treatment plan. The patient may return home after the imaging studies.

Treatment Delivery

After the initial set-up procedure, the patient usually receives the first treatment 3 to 5 days after imaging. The first treatment lasts 1 to 3 hours. Depending on the size or location of the lesion, the patient may receive as many as four additional outpatient treatments usually delivered about 24 hours apart. The patient is free to return home after each treatment.

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