CyberKnife: an innovative surgical system in Ukraine

In today’s world of modern medicine, technologies are developing at a rapid pace, opening new opportunities in the fight against serious diseases. One of the most groundbreaking innovations is the CyberKnife. This is an innovative robotic radiosurgery system that has revolutionized the treatment of oncological diseases. With the help of this high-precision medical equipment, it became possible to perform non-surgical removal of tumors of various localizations (even in the most hard-to-reach areas), with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues. CyberKnife offers a number of advantages over traditional surgical approaches and radiation therapy, providing patients with more gentle treatment, shorter recovery times, and improved quality of life.

CyberKnife is used in Ukraine to treat a wide range of oncological conditions, which opens up new opportunities for saving lives and increasing the effectiveness of medical care. On the MedTour platform, you can find clinics that utilize this advanced technology in cancer treatment. You can also contact a MedTour coordinating doctor for a free consultation and receive detailed information about the CyberKnife radiation treatment system and the possibilities of its use in various diseases.

What is CyberKnife and how does it work?

What is CyberKnife and how does it work? This is quite complex equipment, a high-precision tool that combines advanced achievements in the field of robotics, medical imaging, and radiotherapy. It is used for non-invasive treatment of tumors and other abnormal formations in various parts of the body. CyberKnife treatment is also called non-invasive radiosurgery. Unlike traditional surgery, which requires physical incisions, CyberKnife surgery uses focused beams of high-energy ionizing radiation to target tumor tissue and destroy cancerous cells.

At the core of the system is a linear accelerator that generates powerful beams of X-rays. This accelerator is mounted on a robotic arm, which has six degrees of freedom, giving it a high degree of maneuverability. This allows the system to direct radiation at the tumor from multiple angles with extreme precision.

The device is also equipped with a real-time image guidance and tracking system. Before treatment begins, the patient undergoes an imaging procedure (such as a CT scan or MRI) that allows doctors to accurately determine the size, shape, and location of the tumor. The resulting images are loaded into a computer system and a personalized treatment plan is created. The system calculates the optimal angles and intensity for the radiation beams. During the treatment session, the CyberKnife system continuously tracks the tumor’s position in real-time and automatically adjusts for any patient movement by altering the robotic arm’s direction. This achieves high precision in the impact of rays on the tumor with minimal impact on healthy surrounding tissue.

Advantages of CyberKnife Treatment

CyberKnife treatment has a number of significant advantages, making it a suitable treatment option for many patients:

• High precision and minimal impact on healthy tissue. CyberKnife can be used for different types of cancer and tumors of different sizes. It delivers high doses of radiation with maximum precision. This is made possible by its robotic arm with six degrees of freedom and a real-time guidance system. This level of precision is especially crucial when treating tumors located near vital structures, such as those in the brain or spinal cord, or near large blood vessels.
• Ability to treat tumors in hard-to-reach areas that cannot be removed using standard surgery. The unique maneuverability of the CyberKnife robotic arm allows it to deliver radiation beams from multiple angles to reach tumors in challenging locations.
• Non-surgical treatment. CyberKnife surgery is performed without incisions on the skin or other tissues. During the procedure, no anesthesia is needed, there is no blood loss, no postoperative pain or scars, and no rehabilitation period is required. For patients who have contraindications to surgery, CyberKnife may be an effective alternative.

• Outpatient treatment. In most cases, CyberKnife treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can return home immediately after the procedure.

When is CyberKnife used?

CyberKnife can be used in the treatment of oncological diseases, benign growths, and a variety of other conditions. Most often, CyberKnife radiation treatment is used in the following cases:

• Brain tumors. These may be gliomas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, and more. The CyberKnife system is also used to combat brain metastases that can result from lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, and others.
• Spine and spinal cord tumors. CyberKnife is effective in treating chordomas, chondrosarcomas, hemangiomas, neuromas, and other neoplasms localized in the spine area. CyberKnife surgery is also used for spinal metastases and for pain management in these cases.

• Tumors located in various parts of the body. CyberKnife can be used to treat tumors in the lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, prostate gland, neck, eyes, soft tissues, bones, etc.

• Non-neoplastic conditions. CyberKnife is also effective in treating non-cancerous disorders such as arteriovenous malformations of the brain vessels, trigeminal neuralgia, and idiopathic epilepsy.

When is cyberknife not recommended​? There are some limitations when CyberKnife is not recommended. For example, this method is rarely used when the tumor reaches a size of more than 4 centimeters in diameter. Moreover, if the patient seeks treatment at an early stage of the disease, when the tumor is still small, the success rate exceeds 90%.

How does CyberKnife treatment work?

CyberKnife treatment includes several key stages:

1. Consultation and treatment planning. At this stage, the patient meets with a radiosurgeon, who reviews their medical history and the results of examinations (CT, MRI, PET, etc.). If necessary, the doctor may order additional tests to precisely determine the tumor’s size and location. Treatment goals, possible risks, and benefits are also discussed. Then, a personalized radiosurgical treatment plan is developed, including optimal radiation angles and intensity, number of sessions, and total radiation dose. A precise treatment protocol is created.
2. Performing radiosurgery. The patient is positioned comfortably on a special treatment table while the CyberKnife robotic arm is positioned to act according to the developed treatment plan. It delivers focused radiation beams to the tumor from various angles. Each treatment session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of radiation beams required. During the procedure, the patient feels no pain, heat, or vibration. If necessary, the patient can communicate with medical staff. Most patients can leave the clinic 25–30 minutes after the session. The number of sessions may vary depending on the disease and its characteristics, but most often 1-5 sessions are prescribed.
3. Follow-up care. After completing a course of treatment, regular follow-up appointments and examinations are usually carried out, during which the doctor monitors the patient’s condition. These check-ups help assess the effectiveness of treatment and detect any possible relapses or side effects in time. Also, as part of follow-up monitoring, the doctor may also provide personalized recommendations regarding lifestyle and medication intake.

Experimental cancer treatment programs in Ukraine

Oncology in Ukraine is at a fairly advanced level. In addition to the use of standard cancer treatment methods, new approaches are constantly being explored to target malignant diseases. CyberKnife radiation oncology is one such innovation in cancer therapy. However, there are other promising techniques under active research and clinical implementation. Leading clinics in Ukraine participate in international clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer. They also conduct experimental treatment programs using the latest medications, carry out their own research, and introduce cutting-edge technologies.

As a result, experimental cancer treatment programs in Ukraine allow patients to undergo therapy with the latest drugs and the most progressive methods that are still being studied, but are already showing good outcomes.

The MedTour company specializes in medical tourism. We collaborate with top cancer treatment clinics that use the most advanced and effective technologies and are among the leaders in treatment success rates. We will help you access the best specialists who will select the most appropriate treatment strategy for your disease, allowing you to use all the chances to fight against cancer.

Where in Ukraine can I get treatment with CyberKnife?

The level of healthcare in Ukraine today meets international standards. There are clinics that use the most advanced methods of cancer treatment, apply experimental approaches, and implement the latest technologies. Where to treat cancer in Ukraine using the CyberKnife system? You can contact the Spizhenko Clinic. This is a multidisciplinary oncology center that offers tumor treatment with the CyberKnife system. Spizhenko Clinic was the first in Eastern Europe to implement this radiosurgery system. Today, patients from across Ukraine and many foreign countries come to this clinic for cancer treatment.

The clinic is equipped with a modern CyberKnife G4 system. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan, which allows for successful treatment in up to 98% of cases at the early stages.

To learn more about the possibility of treatment using the CyberKnife system in Ukraine or abroad, contact a MedTour coordinating physician.

Cost of CyberKnife treatment in Ukraine

The cost of CyberKnife treatment is calculated individually. The price depends on the type of condition, the size of the tumor, the number of sessions that need to be performed, and other factors.

On average, the cost of CyberKnife treatment in Ukraine is about $5,000, though this is an approximate figure. To find out the exact prices for radiosurgery in Ukraine or in leading clinics abroad, schedule a free consultation with us. Our MedTour coordinating physician can also provide detailed information about the cost of other cancer treatments at various medical centers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a CyberKnife session last?

The duration of a CyberKnife treatment session can vary significantly depending on the size, shape, and location of the tumor and other factors.

In most cases, one session takes from 30 minutes to 1 hour, however, in some cases it may be shorter or longer. The exact duration of each session and the overall course of treatment is determined by the doctor.

Are there any side effects from using CyberKnife?

CyberKnife treatment has fewer side effects than traditional surgery and conventional radiation therapy. However, like any medical procedure, some side effects may occur. Among the most common side effects are general weakness, nausea, and dizziness, which typically subside after a short time.

Is this method suitable for treating metastases?

Yes, CyberKnife is used to treat metastases that can occur in different parts of the body. This technology allows for reaching hard-to-reach areas and precisely removing metastatic tumors. CyberKnife can target metastases in the brain, spine, lungs, liver, bones, and other parts of the body. However, there may be limitations if the number of metastases is too large.

The decision on whether CyberKnife is suitable for a particular case should be made individually by qualified medical professionals.

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Published: 26.05.2025

Updated: 04.07.2025

Medical author, Medical editor:

Natalia Segen