Cyberknife: Is it worth choosing a doctor who uses Cyberknife

ron3637

From what I have read Cyberknife often results in better treatment. Would you limit your search to doctors who uses it? Thank you

ron3637

It would be used to treat prostate cancer

Clevelandguy

Hi,

If you choose Cyberknife for your treatment which is a very good choice, you should find the best doctors and facilities that utilize this technology. You should consult with your doctor team to find the best treatment options for your Prostate cancer whether it’s cyberknife,proton,radioactive seeds, ect.

Dave 3+4

Old Salt

My short answer is NO. You should FIRST get the best advice you can get for your situation. If that results in a recommendation for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) you should then consult with a specialist and institution that offers that therapy.

Cyberknife is just an instrument to do SBRT. There are other instruments.

Josephg

SRBT is generally used to kill specific known spot locations of PCa identified in a PET scan, often local metastases, most often in the bones. It is not generally used to irradiate larger areas, such as the prostate bed.

However, as Old Salt mentioned above, the decision to use SBRT, IMRT, Proton therapy, or other forms of radiation should be in the hands of a Medical Oncologist or Radiation Oncologist, to ensure that the patient receives the most effective form of radiation for their particular instance of PCa. The patient has the final decision, of course, but it is generally wise to follow the advice given by medical professionals who dedicate their working life to administering these therapies.

laojia

I recently did Cyber knife treatment for my unfavorable intermediate risk (4+3) at UCSF. They have a different protocols comparing to others: they do 4 sessions instead of typical 5 sessions. so heavier dosage:9.5 gray per session. They require you have an empty bladder instead of full bladder. Don't know the reason behind it.

TMBFL

H

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717097#Comment_1717097

How are you doing laojia? I am considering SBRT, let me know your outcome so far.

laojia

I finished my 4 session SBRT on Friday Aug 9. (8/2,/8/5,8/7). No major issues, but there's off and on minor discomfort within the groin/rectal area: sudden discomfort inside the penis shaft last short period of time and pressure in the rectum. Certainly frequent urinary urgencies and get up to pee 3 to 4 times during the night, hence poor sleep quality. Only pee a small amount each time. I am not taking Flowmax yet, which may help with urine flow but I am afraid the the drug's side effect, such as dizziness etc. I am on 4 months Orgovyx. I am also taking daily 5mg Cialis. Since I have just started taking Orgovyx on 8/9, I am yet feeling its side effects.

I am 4+3 but entirely localized. Decipher 0.43. I started wondering if I should have chosen radical prostatectomy, internal brachytherapy or tulsa pro instead of sbrt.

TMBFL

Was a rectal barrier used…like Barrigel or SpaceOar?

Josephg

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717493#Comment_1717493

Don't start 'wondering' about a decision that you already made. It serves absolutely no purpose. In fact, it degrades your psyche, and makes you less sure about yourself and your decisions going forward. And, equally important, your second guessing yourself also negatively impacts the folks around you, especially those who care dearly about you.

Forget about yesterday, and solely focus on today and tomorrow. That is the true definition of "Survivor".

laojia

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717496#Comment_1717496

yes, spaceoar. The RO doctor first told me no need for spacer since his patients dont GI issues. but I insisted to have spacer. there is trade off with spacer insertion: it reduces chance of serious GI issue from 3% to 1.5%, but the cost is high (20k and no insurance negotiated discount. so you need to make sure insurance going to cover beforehand)

Old Salt

Although SpaceOAR may have benefits, there are (peer reviewed) reports of side effects. Depending on the area to be radiated and the morphology of your prostate and neighboring area, SpaceOAR may or may not be beneficial. The use also requires expertise with the insertion.

PS: the side effects that you have encountered may not be related to the SBRT, but could be due to one of the drugs your are taking (Cialis & Orgovyx).