Another technology on the market that is available in combating tumors or lesions is the gamma knife. However, there are certain brain tumors and other neurological disorders for which the gamma knife is not an appropriate treatment of choice. The experts at Brain and Spine Center at Brackenridge can discuss the CyberKnife and other treatment options to help guide patients in choosing an alternate plan.
Comparison of CyberKnife®, Gamma Knife, IMRT and Radiotherapy
CyberKnife®
Cleared by the FDA for 100% frameless, full-body radiosurgery. The CyberKnife® System utilizes a proprietary image-guidance system and a multi-jointed robotic arm that enables access to tumors and reduces damage to surrounding critical structures. Integration of these unique technologies allows physician to treat complex-shaped tumors with the ability to achieve sub-millimeter accuracy. A multidisciplinary team consisting of a neurosurgeon, a radiation oncologist, and a radiation physicist accomplishes treatment with the patient as the central focus.
Gamma Knife
Treats only brain tumors and requires a head frame 100% of the time. The Gamma Knife utilizes an older radiation technology that is confined to treating tumors in the head. The Gamma Knife uses ionizing radiation (gamma rays) produced by 201 cobalt-60 sources to target the tumor or abnormality. Because technology is older, the Gamma Knife still requires the use of a head frame that needs to be fixed to the patient's skull.
IMRT
IMRT or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy is a form of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) that links treatment planning and driver software to the actual treatment delivery devices. As a result, clinicians can determine and deliver an optimum plan of individualized radiation for each patient. Beam-shaping IMRT is a new form of radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy
Requires multiple treatment sessions over a 30 day period of time. Does not require a head frame. Delivers lower doses of focused radiation over a series of treatment sessions giving a larger overall dose of radiation to the tumor. Each treatment is called a fraction, therefore this type of therapy is sometimes called "fractionated" therapy. A bite block that affixes to the patient's upper teeth or mask is used in place of a head frame.
Technology Comparison
|
Description |
Cyberknife |
Gamma Knife |
IMRT |
Radiotherapy |
|
100% frameless |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Ability to automatically compensate for tumor movement |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Full-Body |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
T4 Radiosurgery (Tight-to-the-Tumor) |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Staged Radiosurgery |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Isocentric or non-isocentric treatment planning options |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
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