Apollo Cancer Centre unveils CyberKnife

Hyderabad: Apollo Cancer Centre in Chennai said it has introduced South Asia’s first CyberKnife S7, FIM Robotic Radio Surgery System, a non-invasive treatment modality for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors where radiation therapy is indicated. The System can be an alternative to surgery for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors. Even patients previously treated with radiation who have metastatic lesions or with recurrent cancers can also receive CyberKnife treatment.

Apollo Cancer Centre in a release said, “The Centre has set a new standard by being the first in South Asia to introduce this ground-breaking technology. The CyberKnife System is the only radiation delivery system that features a radiation delivery device, called a linear accelerator, directly mounted on a robot to deliver the high-energy X-rays or photons used in radiation therapy. Apollo Cancer Centre is also the first in the country to be accredited for offering a certified fellowship training programme in CyberKnife.”

On the technology introduced, Dr Mahadev Potharaju, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, said: “CyberKnife S7 FIM treatments are typically performed in one to five sessions. The treatment duration typically ranges from 30 to 90 minutes, during which 100 to 200 radiation beams are administered from various angles. Each beam lasts for 10 to 15 seconds. Treatment sessions are non-invasive outpatient procedures, and no anaesthesia or incisions are required, enabling most patients to continue with daily activities over the course of treatment.”