New Data from Two Clinical Studies Indicate High-Risk and Recurrent Prostate Cancers Can be Effectively Treated in 5 Days Using the Accuray CyberKnife® System
- The CyberKnife System offers precise treatment for prostate cancer with SBRT in fewer sessions than traditional therapy.
- Studies presented at the RSS meeting showed favorable outcomes and low toxicities for high-risk prostate cancer patients.
- The system's ability to track and correct for prostate movement during treatment ensures accurate delivery of radiation beams.
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Insights
The recent findings on the CyberKnife System's efficacy in treating high-risk and recurrent prostate cancer have significant implications for the field of oncology. By reducing the number of treatment sessions from the conventional 30-40 to just 4-5, the CyberKnife System not only offers a less burdensome treatment schedule for patients but also implies potential cost savings for healthcare providers. The system's sub-millimeter accuracy in delivering stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is particularly notable given the prostate gland's proximity to critical structures like the bladder and rectum. The ability to deliver high doses of radiation precisely to the target area while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues can lead to fewer side effects, which is a key factor in preserving patients' quality of life post-treatment.
From a research perspective, the utilization of advanced imaging and real-time AI-driven motion tracking technology represents a leap forward in radiation therapy. The proprietary Synchrony technology allows for real-time adjustments to the radiation beam, which compensates for the prostate's movement during treatment. This level of precision is paramount when dealing with delicate and variable human anatomy. By continuously verifying the tumor's position and adapting the treatment accordingly, the CyberKnife System mitigates the risk of radiation-induced damage to adjacent organs, a common concern in prostate cancer treatment.
The introduction and adoption of advanced treatment options like the CyberKnife System can have a ripple effect on the economics of healthcare. The reduced number of sessions required for effective treatment directly translates into fewer hospital visits, which can decrease the logistical burden on healthcare facilities and potentially lower the overall cost of care for prostate cancer patients. This efficiency may also increase patient throughput, allowing more individuals to receive treatment with existing infrastructure.
However, the initial investment in such cutting-edge technology is substantial and healthcare providers must weigh the cost against the expected benefits. While the long-term savings from shorter treatment times and reduced side effects are compelling, the short-term financial impact must be considered. Adoption rates of the CyberKnife System may be influenced by reimbursement policies and the willingness of insurance companies to cover the costs associated with this technology. The economic analysis of new medical technologies like the CyberKnife System is complex and must factor in not only direct costs but also indirect benefits such as improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Data Also Underscores Potential Benefits of CyberKnife System Sub-millimeter Accuracy in Preserving Quality of Life after Treatment for Prostate Cancer
"An extensive number of peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts have been published reporting on CyberKnife prostate SBRT efficacy and tolerability. This most recent RSS data demonstrates the ongoing interest in advancing patient care with the system, based on its ability to deliver the precision and accuracy necessary to not just help men to survive prostate cancer but also to have a meaningful quality of life post treatment," said Seth Blacksburg, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer at Accuray.
The CyberKnife System enables treatment of prostate cancer using a form of radiation therapy called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) - very precise, high doses of radiation are delivered over a shorter duration than traditional treatments. The system's precision enables clinicians to confidently treat the prostate gland, which is situated near the sensitive bladder and rectum, with SBRT.
CyberKnife Platform for Prostate Cancer: The CyberKnife platform offers an effective treatment option for prostate tumors in 4-5 sessions, compared to conventional radiation therapy that usually requires approximately 30-40 sessions over 8-10 weeks. Data presented at the RSS meeting showed its ability to:
- Effectively treat high-risk disease while preserving quality of life. Study authors concluded, "At the 3-year follow-up mark, favorable biochemical control was achieved, and patients had largely recovered to near baseline urinary and bowel function . . . These findings underscore the potential of SBRT as a convenient treatment option for high-risk prostate cancer, offering promising outcomes and preserving patient quality of life1."
- Provide a viable option with "a low incidence of short-term genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities" for reirradiation of locally recurrent prostate cancer2.
The prostate gland can move unpredictably throughout the course of treatment. In fact, the prostate has been documented to move as much as 10 mm in as little as 30 seconds due to normal patient bodily functions – such as filling of the bladder, gas in the bowel, or even slight patient movement during the procedure3,4,5,6, making the ability to track, detect and correct for motion critically important.
The CyberKnife System, using advanced imaging and real-time artificial intelligence (AI)-driven motion tracking and synchronization treatment delivery, with the Accuray proprietary Synchrony® technology, can track the tumor and continually verify its position, automatically correcting and adapting the radiation beam position for even the slightest movement. For example, if the prostate moves during treatment the CyberKnife® System detects this movement and synchronizes the treatment delivery beam to the tumor's new position in real-time.
About Accuray
Accuray is committed to expanding the powerful potential of radiation therapy to improve as many lives as possible. We invent unique, market-changing solutions designed to deliver radiation treatments for even the most complex cases—while making commonly treatable cases even easier—to meet the full spectrum of patient needs. We are dedicated to continuous innovation in radiation therapy for oncology, neuro-radiosurgery, and beyond, as we partner with clinicians and administrators, empowering them to help patients get back to their lives, faster. Accuray is headquartered in
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1 "Health-Related Quality of Life Following Robotic Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer." Presenting author Vaibhav Sharma, M.D., Resident Physician, Georgetown University Hospital, |
Media Contact:
Beth Kaplan
Public Relations Director, Accuray
+1 (408) 789-4426
bkaplan@accuray.com
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FAQ
What was presented at the 2024 Radiosurgery Society Meeting regarding the CyberKnife System and prostate cancer?
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