What is CyberKnife Radiosurgery?
CyberKnife radiosurgery is a painless radiation treatment that can be an alternative to open surgery in many cases. The CyberKnife System uses image-guided robotics to precisely and non-invasively destroy tumors and other lesions with multiple beams of high-energy radiation. Each individual beam is not sufficient to cause harm, its the cumulative effect that results in the lesion receiving a very high dose of radiation while preserving nearby normal tissue. Because of the sub millimeter clinical accuracy, CyberKnife radiosurgery, is precise enough that radiation can be matched to the shape of small, complex tumors located near critical structures. This ability allows the CyberKnife to treat many lesions that may be considered inoperable or untreatable with other radiosurgery systems -- giving many patients new hope.
Is The CyberKnife Clinically Proven?
The CyberKnife System is based on radiation technology that has been in use and well proven for more than 30 years. Thousands of patients have received CyberKnife treatments worldwide, and many clinical studies with the CyberKnife have been published in medical journals. The CyberKnife System is cleared by the FDA to treat tumors and lesions anywhere in the body when radiation treatment is indicated. Patients should consult with a physician to determine if the CyberKnife treatment is appropriate for their condition.
How Does The CyberKnife Work?
The CyberKnife is a revolutionary new way of performing stereotactic radiosurgery. It combines two advanced technologies: A lightweight radiation delivery system mounted on a multi-jointed robotic arm: The robotic arm provides unparalleled access, reaching areas of the body that are untreatable with conventional radiosurgery systems and allowing more flexible delivery of radiation.
An image guidance system: This advancement allows the CyberKnife System to locate the lesion throughout treatment and correct for small patient movements in real time.
What Makes The CyberKnife So Unique?
Full Body Capability and Staged Treatment: The unique design of the CyberKnife System allows it to administer radiation to lesions throughout the body. Also, because no frame is required, the CyberKnife System can perform “hypo-fractionated” or staged radiosurgery - where the total radiation dose is divided into 2-5 smaller doses. This is especially beneficial for treating larger tumors and lesions near sensitive structures because it better protects surrounding healthy tissue.
Painless Surgery: The CyberKnife System performs painless “surgery” in a unique radiosurgery suite, effectively eliminating the risk of complications and lengthy recovery time associated with traditional open surgery.
Better Quality of Life During and After Treatment: The outpatient CyberKnife procedure allows patients to undergo treatment and immediately resume normal activities.
Key Members
James G. Schwade, MD, FACR, FACRO
Executive Director
Dr. Schwade is an internationally recognized Radiation Oncologist, with more than 30 years as a physician, in Miami, Florida. He holds the ranks of Clinical Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, and Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Florida International University. He is currently Executive Director of the CyberKnife Center of Miami and the Cyberknife Center of Palm Beach.
Formerly, he held positions as co-medical director at the Miami NeuroScience Center, Associate Director of Clinical Research for U of M Sylvester Comprehensive Center, Medical Director of the Regional Cancer Treatment Center for Baptist Hospital in Miami, and Chief of the Radiology Biology Section of the Radiation Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute in Bethseda, Maryland. He is a cum laude graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and the Medical College of Wisconsin. His residency and internship were in Radiation Oncology at the University of California in San Francisco.
He is a widely known expert in radiosurgery and has assisted in performing more than 1,700 treatments as well as authored more than 80 scientific articles. His professional affiliations and memberships are many, including his Fellowship in the American College of Radiology and the American College of Radiation Oncology.
James M. Hevezi, Ph.D, FACR, FAAPM
Chief Physicist CyberKnife Miami
James Hevezi is Board Certified in Diagnostic Radiological Physics and Therapeutic Radiological Physics by the American Board of Radiology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Association of Physicists in
Medicine (AAPM). He serves in leadership positions in the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) and AAPM.
Walter Nikesch, PhD, FACR, FAAPM
Director of Physics
CyberKnife Center of Palm Beach
Gail Suarez
Vice President of Operations
Irene Monterroso
Junior Physicist
Susan Nefzger
Business Development and Public Relations
Martha Deneault
Chief Radiation Therapist - CyberKnife Palm Beach
Mario Tobon
Radiation Therapist
Daemy Diaz
Billing Specialist
