Cooper CyberKnife Center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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VIDEO > Patients share their CyberKnife experiences and physicians explain how the radiosurgery system treats tumors in the spine, prostate, lungs, liver and pancreas.

Am I a candidate for CyberKnife?
Each patient’s case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists. This team, in collaboration with the referring physician, determines the best treatment option for the patient. The CyberKnife System may be used alone or as part of a treatment plan that includes other cancer therapies. To learn if you are a candidate for CyberKnife treatment, call (800) 8-COOPER.

Is the CyberKnife safe and 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 anywhere in the body when radiation treatment is indicated.

What is the difference between CyberKnife radiosurgery and traditional surgery?
CyberKnife radiosurgery is not really surgery. With stereotactic radiosurgery there is no incision and no anesthesia. Radiosurgery does not remove the tumor or lesions, but instead, uses high doses of focused radiation to destroy tumor cells and stop the growth of cancer cells.

How is the CyberKnife system different from other stereotactic radiosurgery systems?

• Because of the flexibility of the robotic arm, the system is able to reach areas of the body that are unreachable by other radiosurgery systems.
• Because it can deliver radiation doses so precisely, it can deliver larger doses without harming nearby tissue and do so in fewer doses than other radiation therapy methods.
• And, because of its unique abilities to “track, detect and correct,” the CyberKnife system compensates for patient movement during treatment, constantly ensuring accurate targeting.

What can I expect during a CyberKnife treatment?
All CyberKnife cases are unique. Factors like the type, size and location of the tumor, the patient’s overall medical condition, and past/recent treatments are considered during the planning phase and help the doctors formulate an individualized treatment plan. Patients at the Cooper CyberKnife Center receive one-on-one education so that they know what to expect during the process. For more information on what to expect on the day of treatment, click on The CyberKnife Treatment Process.

What types of conditions are considered for CyberKnife treatment?
At Cooper, the CyberKnife is used primarily for treating cancers of the:

• Lung
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Prostate
• Spine

What are the benefits of the CyberKnife?
There are many benefits to a CyberKnife procedure. It is non-invasive, does not require an uncomfortable immobilization device and it is able to reach tumors in areas of the body previously thought untreatable. It is ideally suited for those who are unable to undergo traditional surgery or who do not wish to risk surgery. It may also be appropriate for patients who have been previously exposed to the maximum allowable dose of radiation but still require further treatment.

After treatment, when will my tumor or lesion disappear?
The effects of radiosurgery occur gradually and over a period of time. The timeframe can range from days, months or years depending on the tumor. Some tumors dissolve slower than others and eventually disappear. Others simply stop growing and present no further cell activity. After treatments patients typically are asked to get periodic images (CAT scan or MRI) of their tumor(s) so that their physician can monitor the effectiveness of the radiation.

What are the complications or side effects of CyberKnife radiosurgery?
After treatment sometimes patients experience headaches or feel nauseas or very tired. These symptoms are temporary and rarely the result of radiation, but generally related to the patient’s anxiety and lack of sleep. Your physician or nurse will discuss the possibility of more rare side effects prior to any treatment.

Will my hair fall out or burn my skin after CyberKnife treatment?
The radiation being delivered by the CyberKnife is so focused on a specific target that it is highly unlikely that hair loss or skin burn will occur. Typically, the radiation dose administered is not sufficient to cause permanent damage to the skin or hair follicles.

How many CyberKnife treatment will I receive?
The number of treatments depends on the type, size and location of the tumor being treated. Most patients can expect to receive between one and five treatments.

Will my insurance pay for CyberKnife treatments?
Cyberknife treatments are not experimental and are covered by most insurance carriers. Our staff will work with your insurance carrier to obtain all pre-authorizations needed for the treatment and imaging procedures related to treatment.

For more information about the Cooper CyberKnife Center or to schedule an appointment with a Cooper University Physician, please call 1-800-8-COOPER (1-800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.

Our Location

Mount Laurel Cooper CyberKnife Center 715 Fellowship Road Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054 Appointments (856) 638-1180 View details, directions & map   The Cooper CyberKnife Center is conveniently located on Fellowship Road, a short distance from the intersection of Fellowship Road and Church Road, on the right.