CyberKnife Offers Options for Cancer Patients at Saint Francis

Advanced Technology Treats Tumors Noninvasively

Patients at Saint Francis Medical Center now have a noninvasive alternative for treating cancerous and noncancerous tumors anywhere in the body. Saint Francis is proud to introduce one of the world’s most advanced cancer-fighting weapons: the CyberKnife^® Robotic Radiosurgery System.

The only of its type in the region, the CyberKnife system offers a noninvasive treatment option for tumors anywhere in the body, including the prostate, lungs, brain, spine, liver, pancreas and kidney. Because it delivers beams of high-dose radiation with extreme accuracy, it is ideal for patients with inoperable or surgically complex tumors.

“This technology makes treatment possible for patients who might be too weak to tolerate surgery,” explains Tapan Roy, MD, FACR, radiation oncologist at Saint Francis. “It also provides an option for patients with tumors that could not be removed without seriously damaging the surrounding tissue or for cases in which conventional radiation therapy simply is not an option due to the cancer’s recurrence or proximity to critical tissue.”

The system uses sophisticated image-guidance software to track and continually adjust treatment for any tumor movement, allowing patients to breathe normally and relax during treatment. Unlike other options that can trigger hair loss, overnight stays and painful recoveries, CyberKnife treatments cause minimal side effects (or sometimes none at all) that usually diminish quickly. Common side effects may include nausea and fatigue.

Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, President and Chief Executive Officer at Saint Francis, adds, “Saint Francis’ new CyberKnife technology offers our patients one of the best cancer treatments available — without having to travel out of the area.”

To learn more about the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System or the new Saint Francis Cancer Institute, call 573-334-2230.
 

The CyberKnife^® Robotic Radiosurgery System at Saint Francis Medical Center offers patients a noninvasive alternative for cancerous and noncancerous tumors anywhere in the body.