Dr Chris Nutting has written an article in plain English entitled, CyberKnife® – A Novel Treatment Solution.Dr Chris Nutting has written an article in plain English entitled, CyberKnife® – A Novel Treatment Solution. This really does seem to be an excellent example of how technology is altering the entire landscape of modern medicine. It really is quite simple, modern imaging methods can accurately map the extent of the cancer and this information can be fed back to precisely inform the irradiation treatment target. Known as ‘image guided therapy, it’s precision surgery without the need for a knife, or even an anaesthetic.
Cancers that can now be treated include the following:
Brain Cancer
Spinal Cancer
Many of the vascular problems that occur in the brain also occur in the spine and CyberKnife® has marked advantages over other radiosurgical techniques in that it is capable of targeting spinal lesions. Also, vertebral tumours (the vertebra is the spine bone) may similarly be treated by this technology (with sparing of the radiosensitive spinal cord that runs through the vertebra).
Lung Cancer (Single or several tumours in the lung)
Prostate Cancer
Pancreas Cancer
Liver Cancer
Kidney Cancer
In his article, Dr Chris Nutting says, “Quite simply, CyberKnife® seems the important advance that we have been waiting for, and more than one lesion can be targeted.”
A medication that reduces sensation.
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Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.
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The basic unit of all living organisms.
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a general term to cover any abnormality such as a wound, infection, abscess or tumour.
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Energy in the form of waves or particles, including radio waves, X-rays and gamma rays.
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An abnormal swelling.
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Relating to blood vessels.
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Affecting the vertebrae, the bones of the spine, or the joints between them
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