The CyberKnife Center. - North Florida Regional Medical Center

What are the benefitsof the CyberKnife?The technology of CyberKnife offers a number ofadvantages that are not possible with traditionaltherapies.• Shorter recovery, sometimes no recovery at all• Little or no pain• No scalpel and no blood loss• No anesthesia• Typically, no hospital stay• Lesions that have previously received maximumradiation doses can be treated with CyberKnife• Treatment of tumors in places that were once notpossible to reach and thus, untreatableWhat can theCyberKnife treat?The CyberKnife is cleared by federalregulators to treat tumors and lesionsanywhere in the body, including:• Cancerous and non-cancerousbrain tumors• Lung Tumors• Liver Tumors• Pancreas Tumors• Pelvic Tumors• Prostate Tumors• Spine Tumors• Trigeminal NeuralgiaIn addition to the primary sites listedabove, other cancerous sites maybe eligible for CyberKnife treatment.This depends on your specific medicalcondition and the recommendationfrom your physician.5

Whatis thetreatmentprocess?Step 1: ConsultationEach patient will meet with the CyberKnife Radiation Oncologist todiscuss the potential treatment benefits.Step 2: SetupFiducial PlacementDepending on your case, you may require the placement of severalsmall metal markers called fiducials. This is a short outpatient proceduredone at your surgeon’s office or in radiology. It is necessary to allow theCyberKnife to track the tumor position throughout your treatment. Lesionsin the head do not require this step.Making a Mask or Body MoldA custom mask or body mold is formed and used to help minimizemovement during your treatment. The procedure is simple and painless.ImagingA CT scan and possibly an MRI will be performed to identify the size,location and shape of your lesion. This is not a diagnostic study butrather a scan that will be used to define the treatment area specific toeach individual patient.6

Step 3: Treatment DeliveryDress in comfortable clothing and bring your favorite CD to listen to duringyour treatment.PositioningYou will lie on the treatment table and be fitted with your custom mask or body mold.No sedation is needed.Painless TreatmentYou will need to lie as still as possible. The process typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes,and you will be awake the entire time. The image guidance system continually takesimages and compares them to data from your CT scan. This ensures radiation istargeted accurately on the tumor.CompletionIf you are undergoing a single-session treatment, your treatment is complete. You cannow leave the center and resume normal activity immediately. If your physicianprescribes a staged treatment, you will be required to return for additional dailytreatments — typically, from three to five treatments.Follow-upAs with any treatment procedure, there will be follow-up imaging and physicianconsultation to monitor your progress.7

Directions to The CyberKnife Center:From Interstate-75: Take exit 387 for Newberry Road (State Road26). Head east on Newberry Road and pass 2 traffic lights. At thethird traffic light, turn left onto 66th Street into the North FloridaRegional Medical Center entrance. You will notice signs that pointtoward the Emergency Department. Pass the Emergency Departmentand continue past Invision Imaging and Pre-Op Services. When youcome to a stop sign, The Cancer Center will be on your left. Park andwalk toward the rear of the building. You will find the entrance toThe CyberKnife Center is clearly marked.The CyberKnife Center entrance is located at the rear ofThe Cancer Center on the campus of North Florida RegionalHealthcare in Gainesville, Florida.From Highway 441: Turn West onto University Avenue (NewberryRoad, State Road 26). Proceed for approximately 4 miles andremain in the right lane. Keep straight through the street light at 62ndStreet and turn right at the next street light onto 66th Street. You willnotice signs that point toward the Emergency Department. Pass theEmergency Department and continue past Invision Imaging andPre-Op Services. When you come to a stop sign, The Cancer Centerwill be on your left. Park and walk toward the rear of the building. Youwill find the entrance to The CyberKnife Center is clearly marked.www.NFRMC.com(352) 333-5643(800) 621-0575The CyberKnife CenterNorth Florida Regional Healthcare6420 W. Newberry RoadGainesville, Florida 32605(352) 333-5643TheCancer CenterNORTH FLORIDA REGIONAL HEALTHCAREWe are with you for life.