The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Cyberknife vs Regular radiation

Karen8873
Karen8873 CSN Member Posts: 35
in Kidney Cancer #1

My Mom was originally scheduled for Cyberknife on the spine for 1/10 . Last Wed she had severe rib pain , scan showed a fracture & progression since original MRI 3 weeks ago. Her neurosurgeon who removed the L5 tumor suggested radiation start ASAP .We met with radiation last night and he now wants to change her to regular radiation , 10 treatments to each location , once a day for ten days. This will start Monday 1/8. When I asked the  rate he said 70% vs cyberknifes 90% success rate. But if we are only starting her 2 days earlier than planned , is it worth waiting for the higher success rate with less treatments? Can Cyberknife be done on the ribs ? I’ve placed a call to the Dr for my questions of course , but would like to hear your opinions as well/ personal experiences etc .. Thanks !

Like Care

Comments

  • Abunai
    Abunai CSN Member Posts: 173 Member
    #2

    I just read, on a website titled: "Types of Radiation Therapy for Cancer - Scripps Health" (I don't think I can post links here) that conventional radiation therapy is used because it can be started sooner that the more focused types like Cyberknife. I know that with Cyberknife, they had to create a sort of cast that conformed to my body to keep me from moving while I was on the table. It also took them a few days to confer with a neurologist (since my spinal cord was involved) and develop/program a plan for the Cyberknife machine.

    Cyberknife can generally be used in a more focused way following the conventional radiation treatment.

    My guess is that it's the time aspect that guided your Dr.'s decision to go with the conventional radiation treatment.

    Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor and I don't play one on TV. I have seen more than my share of doctors in the past year, though.

    Like Care

Discussion Boards