By delivering radiation beams from virtually unlimited positions, the CyberKnife system can treat tumors anywhere in the body including the brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, and prostate. To date, CyberKnife has been used to treat more than 40,000 patients by over 100 institutions globally, including many of the world's most prestigious cancer centers.

"With this new technology, we can give hope to patients with tumors of any size and location that may have been considered inoperable or surgically complex," said Dr. Frank Masino, Stamford Hospital's Director of Radiation Oncology. "CyberKnife is so precise, we can give a maximum dose of radiation to the tumor - no matter where it's located - and spare as much of the healthy tissue around it as possible.  It's an exciting advance in radiation technology, and it will be an excellent complement to the technologies and treatments we already have in place at the Bennett Cancer Center."

The CyberKnife system, manufactured by Accuray Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARAY) is a noninvasive image-guided robotic surgery system designed to continuously track and detect tumor location, and correct for tumor and patient movement during treatment. The system directs radiation beams into tumors from virtually unlimited directions with extreme accuracy to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs. 

This technology is unique in the following ways:

• Pinpoint accuracy, to confidently treat the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Shorter time, CyberKnife therapy is given over 1-5 treatment days.
• Unsurpassed maneuverability and versatility, with the ability to deliver radiation beams from virtually unlimited positions to treat tumors anywhere in the body from any angle.
• Continuous tumor tracking and detection, to accommodate tumor and patient movement without the need to manually reposition the patient or interrupt the treatment.
• Noninvasive, pain-free treatment, offering an alternative for patients with previously inoperable or surgically complex tumors or for those seeking an alternative to surgery.

Such advantages offer patients many benefits.  During treatment, there is no anesthesia, or head and body frames required.  Patients can be treated on an outpatient basis in as few as one to five visits.  Most experience minimal recovery time and can return to normal activities almost immediately. 

Stamford Hospital's multidisciplinary CyberKnife team includes radiation oncologists, surgeons, medical physicists, radiation therapists, a nurse and a medical dosimetrist.  The patients have the support of a dedicated CyberKnife nurse coordinator, who communicates with both the patient and physicians.  The nurse coordinator also keeps the patient informed every step of the way, from planning through treatment.

Stamford Hospital received approval from the State Office of Health Care Access last year to acquire CyberKnife.  The system is the latest addition to the Bennett Cancer Center's host of available cancer and tumor treatment options.  CyberKnife is housed in a new facility at the hospital's Tully Health Center, conveniently located to downtown Stamford. For more information, visit http://cyberknifeinstamford.com.

Stamford Hospital

Stamford Hospital is a not-for-profit provider of comprehensive healthcare services in lower Fairfield County and the region.  The mission of Stamford Hospital is to provide, together with its physicians, a broad range of high quality health and wellness services focused on the needs of our communities.  Stamford Hospital is a Magnet Hospital and a member of the Planetree Alliance, a group of hospitals nationwide focused on patient-centered care.  Stamford Hospital is affiliated with New York Presbyterian Health System and is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.