CyberKnife^�: Noninvasive, robotic cancer treatment comes to Delaware

The most advanced radiosurgery technology in the world�CyberKnife^��is coming to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care in early 2008. CyberKnife technology offers tremendous accuracy and flexibility�with markedly decreased side effects�for treatment of inoperable or surgically complex tumors in the brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas and prostate.

The CyberKnife system�s accuracy and flexibility increases the number of body sites treatable with radiosurgery,� says CyberKnife medical director and radiation oncologist Sunjay Shah, M.D. This leading technology significantly enhances our treatment capabilities and underscores our multidisciplinary approach, as it involves a collaboration of radiation oncologists and a variety of surgical cancer specialists and medical oncologists.�

The CyberKnife at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center is slated for installation in late December, followed by a period of testing. The first patient treatment is tentatively scheduled for late February 2008. In addition, Christiana Care is offering physicians who treat cancer a four-hour certification course in early February and plans an open house with guided tours at a later date.

A significant evolutionary advance over our current radiosurgery technology, CyberKnife offers noninvasive, robotic cancer treatment that can:

• Track, detect and compensate for tumor and patient movement during treatment to ensure accurate targeting.
• Maximize radiation dose while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Provide expanded maneuverability and complete access and coverage for any tumor size or shape.
• Improve patient comfort.

For more information about CyberKnife, the physician certification course or open house, contact Kim Cheek, RN, CyberKnife Coordinator, at 302-623-4836 or Bill Holden, Administrative Director, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, at 302-623-4833.