The CyberKnife® is an alternative treatment delivery system that may be suitable for some patients who may have run out of options or have been told their cancer is inoperable. It has the ability to deliver a high dose of radiotherapy treatment, whilst significantly reducing the dose to the surrounding normal tissues – one of the main treatment challenges when giving radiotherapy.
It uses real-time tracking capabilities to deliver high-dose radiation to tumours with pin-point accuracy. It is so advanced that it can even target tumours that move around as a patient breathes, meaning stabilising frames and uncomfortable breath-holding techniques are not required. It’s non-invasive and does not use knifes or scalpels.
The CyberKnife® gives our patients more options. Its accuracy means we can treat some patients who are not suitable for conventional radiotherapy, as well as those who are too unwell to undergo a general anaesthetic or surgery. It can be used to treat tumours throughout the body, including tumours of the brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney and prostate.
Information for NHS and private patients
CyberKnife® treatment is available to both NHS and private patients. Currently treatment on the NHS is provided on a case-by-case basis only, with an application having to be made to each patient’s local primary care trust (PCT) for what’s called individual funding. Our staff can help advise on how best to go about making such an application. The service is also available privately, either where someone chooses to fund themselves or their health insurance agrees to pay for the treatment.
You can find out how you can get referred for treatment or – for healthcare professionals – how a patient is referred on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Take a tour of the CyberKnife®
Our video gives you a virtual tour of our CyberKnife® centre.
