Is stereotactic radiosurgery done with CyberKnife?

Stereotactic radiosurgery, or SRS, is a highly focused radiation treatment. Despite its name, it does not involve making a surgical cut. CyberKnife uses a compact linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm. The arm can direct radiation from different angles, and imaging helps the system account for position during treatment. This approach may be used for targets in the brain or other areas, depending on the treatment plan.

The choice of CyberKnife depends on the target's location, shape, size, movement, nearby sensitive tissue, and any previous treatment. SRS may be delivered in one session or divided into several sessions. Your team will select the schedule and immobilisation method after reviewing scans and your medical history.

Bring details of previous scans, radiation, surgery, and medicines. Ask how the team will keep you still, whether a mask or another support is needed, and how imaging will be used. If the target is outside the brain, ask whether breathing movement affects planning. Confirm the expected number of visits, how long each visit may take, and whether you can drive or return to usual activities afterward.

Tell the team if you have difficulty lying in one position, feel claustrophobic, or have an implanted medical device. These details can affect preparation and comfort measures.

Call your care team if you develop increasing headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, worsening balance, confusion, fever, or unusual pain after treatment. Get urgent help for a seizure, sudden loss of movement or speech, severe breathing difficulty, or fainting. Symptoms can vary with the treated area, so obtain clear after-hours instructions before leaving the centre.

Why is CyberKnife being considered for my target? Could another SRS platform be suitable? How will movement and nearby sensitive tissue be managed? What symptoms are expected after treatment, and which ones require urgent assessment?