In 2002, USC/Norris Cancer Hospital installed the CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery System, which was one of the first of its kind at the time in the Los Angeles area.  The CyberKnife uses robotic technology and advanced image-guidance to track and destroy small lesions through the delivery of large doses of targeted radiation.  Typically, up to 100 beams of radiation are cross-fired through the lesion, resulting in a high dose administered to the target with minimal radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Originally, the CyberKnife was used for the treatment of specific neurologic tumors in the head and spine.  However, with the advent of the latest upgrades to the CyberKnife, radiosurgery treatment can be delivered to lesions other places in the body when radiation treatment is indicated.  At USC/Norris, we are expanding the CyberKnife's capabilities to treat lung lesions, colon, rectal and gastrointestinal cancers such as pancreatic, esophageal and liver tumors. 

Since there is no open incision or invasive frame with the CyberKnife, patients can experience improved comfort, shorter hospital stays, fewer visits to the hospital, less pain and blood loss, no incisions and no sedation during treatment.  In addition, since the CyberKnife procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, there is shorter recovery time.  Toxicities that result in diarrhea and swallowing difficulties are also minimized.