Cyberknife (device)

CyberKnife is a frameless robotic radiosurgery system used for treating benign tumors, malignant tumors and other medical conditions. The system was invented by John R. Adler, a professor of neurosurgery and radiation oncology at Stanford University.

History

The CyberKnife system is a method of delivering radiotherapy, with the intention of targeting treatment more accurately than standard radiotherapy. The idea behind the system was to extend the benefits of radiosurgery to extracranial tumors, and the first treatments were performed in the early 1990s.

Design

The CyberKnife system uses a lightweight linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm, and an image guidance system. The system is designed to adjust for patient movement, and to deliver radiation from many different angles.

Clinical use

The CyberKnife system is used to treat conditions within the body from skin to bone. It is used in the treatment of many types of cancer, including brain, spine, lung, prostate, liver and pancreas. The system is also used to treat functional disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia and arteriovenous malformations.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of the CyberKnife system is its ability to deliver high doses of radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy. However, the system is not suitable for all types of cancer, and the long-term effects of treatment are not yet known.

See also

• Radiosurgery
• Radiotherapy
• Cancer treatment

External links

• Official website

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