15 Frequently Asked Questions : CyberKnife Treatment in India for Bangladeshi Patients

Q1 · What is CyberKnife Treatment?

CyberKnife is a form of stereotactic radiotherapy that delivers highly focused radiation to a selected treatment target. It may be used for selected:

CyberKnife uses a computer-controlled robotic radiation system to direct radiation beams from different angles. Depending on the condition, treatment may be delivered in:

The treatment plan depends on the size, location and type of lesion.

Q2 · How much does CyberKnife Treatment cost in Bangladesh compared with India?

The cost depends on the location and size of the tumour, number of lesions, number of treatment sessions, treatment planning and hospital. For indicative comparison:

The final cost may depend on:

Patients should request a written quotation that clearly explains included and excluded costs.

Q3 · Which Indian cities can Bangladeshi patients consider for CyberKnife Treatment?

Patients should specifically confirm CyberKnife availability before selecting a hospital.

Q4 · Which hospitals in India can Bangladeshi patients consider for CyberKnife Treatment?

Delhi

Chennai

Mumbai

Bengaluru

Hyderabad

Gurugram

Noida

Kolkata

Pune

Ahmedabad

Kochi

Thiruvananthapuram

Goa

Nagpur

Q5 · What types of CyberKnife Treatment are available?

1. Brain Tumour Treatment

Selected brain tumours may be treated with focused stereotactic radiation.

2. Brain Metastases

Selected metastatic brain lesions may be treated depending on their number, size and location.

3. Spinal Tumour Treatment

CyberKnife may be considered for selected spinal tumours and metastatic lesions.

4. Recurrent Tumour Treatment

Selected recurrent tumours may be considered for stereotactic radiotherapy depending on previous treatment.

5. Difficult-to-Access Tumours

CyberKnife may be considered for selected lesions where conventional surgery presents significant challenges.

6. Fractionated CyberKnife Treatment

Some lesions may be treated over several sessions rather than a single session.

The appropriate approach depends on the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan.

Q6 · Who may be suitable for CyberKnife Treatment?

CyberKnife may be considered for selected patients with:

The specialist may consider:

CyberKnife may not be appropriate for very large tumours requiring immediate surgical decompression.

Q7 · What tests are required before CyberKnife Treatment?

Patients may require:

The radiation team uses appropriate imaging to define the target and plan the radiation dose.

Q8 · What medical records should Bangladeshi patients send before travelling?

Patients should send:

Actual imaging files should be shared whenever possible.

Q9 · How does CyberKnife Treatment work?

The treatment generally involves:

Step 1: Specialist Evaluation

The medical team reviews the patient's diagnosis and imaging.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

The treatment target is identified using detailed imaging.

Step 3: Immobilisation and Positioning

The patient is positioned accurately for treatment.

Step 4: Treatment Planning

Radiation oncologists and medical physicists create a plan designed to deliver radiation to the target while limiting exposure to surrounding structures.

Step 5: CyberKnife Treatment

The robotic system delivers radiation beams from multiple angles.

Step 6: Multiple Sessions When Required

Depending on the lesion, treatment may be delivered in one or several sessions.

Step 7: Monitoring

The patient is monitored during and after treatment.

Step 8: Follow-Up

Imaging is performed at an appropriate interval to assess treatment response.

Q10 · What are the alternatives to CyberKnife Treatment?

Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives may include:

The appropriate treatment depends on the tumour type, size, location and patient's medical condition.

Q11 · What should Bangladeshi patients ask before accepting a CyberKnife quotation?

Q12 · How long should Bangladeshi patients stay in India?

CyberKnife may require less hospitalisation than conventional surgery, but patients should allow time for:

The total stay depends on whether treatment is delivered in one session or several sessions. Patients should discuss their travel schedule with the treating team before booking their return journey.

Q13 · What is recovery like after CyberKnife Treatment?

CyberKnife is generally non-invasive and does not require a conventional surgical incision. Some patients may experience:

The response to radiation may take time, so follow-up imaging is important. Patients should continue prescribed medicines and follow the specialist's instructions. New neurological symptoms, seizures, severe headache, confusion, fever or other concerning symptoms should be reported promptly.

Q14 · How can follow-up be managed after returning to Bangladesh?

Before returning to Bangladesh, patients should obtain:

Follow-up may involve:

MRI, CT or other imaging may be required to evaluate treatment response. Patients should retain all treatment records and imaging for future consultations.

Q15 · Should a Bangladeshi patient travel to India for CyberKnife Treatment?

Bangladeshi patients considering CyberKnife Treatment in India should have their medical records and imaging reviewed by an appropriate specialist before travelling. Patients should understand:

The final decision should be based on an individual specialist evaluation.