The challenge that doctors face in
treating prostate tumors with radiation therapy is that the prostate moves
unpredictably as air passes through the rectum and as the bladder empties and
fills. Minimizing any large movements of the prostate can help reduce
unnecessary irradiation of surrounding healthy tissue. A new hope for patients
who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or who may be looking for a
non-surgical option.Cyberknife radiosurgery is a non –invasive, high-energy
radiation treatment that delivers very precise beams of radiation from many
angles outside the body. The accuracy of Cyberknife is so precise that
radiation can be 'matched' to the shape of small complex tumors, even those
located near critical organs. This ability allows Cyberknife to treat many
lesions including some considered inoperable or untreatable with surgery.
The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is
able to overcome this challenge by continuously identifying the exact location
of the prostate and making active corrections for any movement of the prostate
throughout the course of the treatment. During treatment, a patient lays still
and breathes normally while the CyberKnife zeroes in on a moving target – the
prostate – and irradiates it without harming surrounding areas. As a result,
the procedure is more comfortable for patients, radiation is delivered more
accurately and treatments can be completed in four to five days.
Currently the CyberKnifeRadiosurgery System is most frequently used by itself for patients with early
stage prostate cancer confined to the prostate or in combination with another
therapy, such as external beam radiation for patients with disease that extends
beyond the prostate. Depending on the stage of the patient’s prostate cancer
the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. The CyberKnife System uses
the fiducials as reference points to identify the exact location of the
prostate. Doctors will wait approximately one week after insertion of the
fiducials before CyberKnife treatment planning can begin to ensure that
fiducial movement has stabilized.
Prior to the treatment, a
special custom-fit body cradle will be made. The cradle is made of a soft
material that molds to the patient’s body, ensuring that the patient is in the
same position for each treatment session and is comfortable during the
procedure. While lying in the cradle, patients will undergo a CT scan. This CT
data will be used by the CyberKnife team to determine the exact size, shape and
location of the prostate. An MRI scan also may be necessary to fully visualize
the prostate and nearby anatomy. Once the imaging is done, the body cradle will
be stored and used during CyberKnife treatment.
For most patients, the CyberKnife
treatment is a completely pain-free experience. They may dress comfortably in street
clothes, and the CyberKnife center may allow patients to bring music to listen
to during the treatment. Patients also may want to bring something to read or
listen to during any waiting time, and have a friend or family member with them
to provide support before and after treatment.
When it is time for treatment,
patients will lay on their custom body cradle. The radiation therapist will
ensure the body cradle is properly adjusted and that patients are appropriately
positioned on the treatment couch. When patients are ready for treatment to
begin, the location of the prostate will be tracked and detected. The medical
team will be watching patients every step of the way as the CyberKnife tracks
the patient’s prostate as it moves, and safely and precisely delivering
radiation to it. Once prostate cancer treatment is complete, most patients
quickly return to their daily routines with little interruption to their normal
activities.
http://www.mymedopinion.com/
ReplyDelete