Question about cyberknife treatment?

Question

My dad has been diagnosed with secondaries from asbestos cancer following surgery to remove part of his lung last year.  Here in Australia  his only option is 36 sessions of radiation over 6 weeks followed by chemo, to us this is far from satisfactory.  At the moment he is extremely fit and healthy, apart from the cancer of course, and still playing golf up to 3 times most weeks.  I have been doing some research, bless the internet, and have discovered cyberknife therapy which to me seems like a much better option and offers my father the best chance of enjoying the time he has left.
Has anyone had any experience of the cyberknife treatment?  Especially regarding any side effects and the overall effectiveness of treatment?  It is not available here and my dad would have to travel overseas for treatment at a cost of about $60000 australian, so Id like as much info as possible.

april · Accepted Answer

It's very difficult to use the cyberknife on lungs, as the mass on lungs can move significantly with each breath the patient takes. Read this website: http://www.radiologytoday.net/archive/rt_120604p22.shtml

Not sure where I read this, but Hawaii seems to be a place australians go for this treatment...can't remember for sure if it was gamma or cyber knife. Gamma strictly for brain. Certainly in US, about every state has at least one center with this technology. Wish him well for me.

You're welcome..add a kiss for me too!

Shelly, your link doesn't work.

Get him here to NC. Just 2 and 3 hours away from me are some of the top in cyber and gamma. One's is Greenville and one's Wake Forest and I think even Duke has one. Get to googling! I had surgery for brain tumor, as it was quite large before it was discovered. We can catch it now if it starts to regrow and gamma will be an good option for me.

I lost my dad to emphysema when I was pregnant with my middle child. That was almost 18 years ago and when I look at my kids he never knew, it still saddens me. Sometimes, I swear he's in the car with me.

Gopher, what exactly do you think the tumor is? Do you think it's just hitching a ride with cancer? Something seems a little fishy with your answer.

Anonymous · Answer

It’s okay the lungs move this is what Cyberknife was designed for. I’m in Los Angeles and we have had it here for several years. I believe the side effects are similar to regular radiation, but not as severe and in a smaller field. I don’t think all the data is in on its effectiveness compared to other therapies. I giving you a link to Stanford as I believe that is where it was invented (I know it was in California) and they may have the information you are looking for. I’m also giving you a link to the manufacture, as they will know all of the locations. Best wishes to you and your dad.


http://cyberknifeinstamford.com/

http://www.accuray.com/

Anonymous · Answer

I know nothing about cyberknife treatment but, as a recoverer from serious pancreatic cancer via prayer and alternative therapy, may I suggest that you do not waste any money on radiation or chemo so-called treatments as it will only subject your Dad to greater misery prior to demise.
May I also suggest that you stop worrying about the tumour and concentrate on the cancer - they are totally different problems.   
Feel free to contact me for more info but, above all, never give up.
May God guide all involved.

shelley_gaudreau2000 · Answer

i can see where cyberknife treatment on the lungs could be difficult. But here is a site for the best hospital in the world for oncology.
www.uhn.ca/PMH/index.htm.

Anonymous · Answer

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Question about cyberknife treatment?

5 Answers