Revolutionary new tumor treatment option available in Tyler

For more information, dia 1-888-40-CYBER (29237) or visit www.cyberknifeoftexas.com.

CyberKnife of Texas, a collaborative effort between the ETMC Regional Healthcare System and Tyler Neurosurgical Associates PA, offers a revolutionary new treatment for tumors that may have been considered inoperable or untreatable.

The Cyberknife? Stereotactic Radiosurgery System, representing more than a $4 million investment, can treat tumors in the brain, chest, spine or abdomen - vitually anywhere in the body - with sub-millimeter accuracy.

Surgery without a scalpel
"It's a way of performing surgery without using a scalpel," said neurosurgeon Brian Snell, MD, of TNA. "It gives you the opportunity to treat tumors that you might not have been able to treat before because of them being close to really important structures, like the spinal cord or the brainstem or the optic nerves."

Located within the ETMC Cancer Institute, the Cyberknife combines two advanced technologies. First, it's a lightweight radiation delivery system mounted on a multi-jointed robotic arm with an outstanding range of motion, providing access to hard-to-reach tumors.

Sub-millimeter accuracy
"The system delivers radiation beams with sub-millimeter accuracy, conforming to small, complex-shaped tumors while avoiding healthy tissue nearby," said James Kolker, MD, medical director of the ETMC Cancer Institute. "The Cyberknife can be used to attack tumors not only in the head, but also in the chest, abdomen, and back; virtually anywhere in the body."

"The Cyberknife is frameless and is a big advancement over previous radiosurgery technology," said neurosurgeon Paul Detwiler, MD, of TNA. "Patients had to be in a head frame, for a long period of time. The Cyberknife does away with all that."

Second, the Cyberknife uses an image guidance system similar to those used for guiding cruise missiles. The Synchrony? Respiratory Tracking System compensates for the respiration of the patient while treatment is under way, helping deliver radiation safely and accurately.

The perfect position

"The Cyberknife tracks the tumor position in real time, synchronizing radiation delivery to the motion of the tumor throughout the respiratory cycle," explains Dr. Snell. "The image guidance system gives us the ability to focus these beams right at the area that needs this dose of radiation."

The treatment is an outpatient procedure that takes between 30 to 90 minutes. It's noninvasive, with no pain or anesthesia.

"The treatment of cancer has been plagued by the inability to preserve patients' dignity. Their hair falls out or they get sick from chemotherapy," said Dr. Detwiler. "This is like going to a spa to get your radiation treatment." The Cyberknife will be located at the ETMC Cancer Institute in Tyler.

Worldwide more than 20,000 patients have been treated with this system. This is the first facility in East Texas to acquire Cyberknife.