Our Treatments
CyberKnife
Treatment
Melbourne
Advanced Radiation Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy has changed significantly in recent years, with new technologies making it possible to deliver treatment in more precise and carefully targeted ways.
These developments are helping to expand what can be achieved with non-invasive treatment, particularly for tumours in complex or hard-to-reach areas.
CyberKnife is one of these advances. It combines computer-guided robotics with real-time imaging to deliver highly targeted doses of radiation, allowing the system to accurately target the tumour while aiming to reduce exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
The technology uses a robotic arm that can move around the body to direct radiation beams from multiple angles. Throughout the session, continuous imaging tracks the position of the tumour and makes real-time adjustments to allow treatment to remain precisely aligned with the target area.
Benefits of CyberKnife Technology
- Precision targeting: The robotic arm and imaging systems allow radiation beams to be directed with a high degree of accuracy.
- Adaptability to movement: The system can track and adjust for natural motion, such as breathing, to help keep treatment precisely focused on the tumour.
- Non-invasive approach: CyberKnife delivers treatment from outside the body without the need for incisions or anaesthesia.
- Treatment flexibility: CyberKnife's ability to deliver radiation from multiple angles makes it suitable for targeting tumour locations in almost any area of the body.
- Outpatient treatment: Sessions are delivered in-clinic, and you can return home afterwards.
- Reduced treatment time: Treatment is usually completed over 1 to 5 sessions, with each session generally lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. The exact number and length of sessions depend on the individual patient and the size and type of tumour being treated.
What We Treat
Every patient’s treatment is carefully planned by our team, taking into consideration the type of cancer, its stage, location and your overall health, as well as the treatment options available.
CyberKnife may be suitable in the treatment of:
CyberKnife allows radiation to be delivered with high precision to the prostate, kidneys, bladder or other parts of the urinary system. These areas are often subject to natural movement within the body, making CyberKnife’s accurate tracking adaptability a valuable consideration.
CyberKnife’s real-time tracking allows for precisely aligned targeting of gastrointestinal cancers, including those of the pancreas, liver, and rectum, where natural abdominal movement can make treatment more challenging. It is particularly valuable for pancreatic cancers in patients who are not fit for surgery, or in cases that are inoperable or at an early stage, as well as for primary liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Radiation therapy in the head and neck region can be challenging because of the number of sensitive structures close to the tumour. Unlike some other stereotactic systems, CyberKnife does not require patients to be placed in a rigid frame for treatment. Instead, it uses real-time image guidance to track and adjust, allowing the radiation to remain precisely targeted while you are positioned more comfortably.
CyberKnife may be considered for the treatment of metastatic disease, where cancer has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. It can be used to target secondary tumours in areas such as the liver, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes. CyberKnife’s precision allows treatment to be focused on these sites while aiming to reduce impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Your Patient Journey
01
Referral
Speak to your GP or specialist to obtain a referral to our clinic. If you have any previous scans or test results, these can also be helpful to send to us to help plan the best treatment path for you.
02
Consultation and Treatment Plan
At your initial consultation, you'll meet with our radiation oncologist Dr Mathlum. Dr Mathlum will review your history and any test results and have a discussion with you about your condition and the treatment options available, before developing a personalised treatment plan.
03
Treatment
Treatment is delivered at our clinic in Cremorne, Melbourne. Each session usually takes 30-60 minutes. Our team are on hand throughout your treatment to ensure you feel comfortable and to answer any questions you may have.
04
Post Treatment Care
Once your course of treatment is complete, we'll arrange regular follow-up appointments to see how you are responding and feeling post treatment and to ensure you continue to feel supported and cared for as you progress.
Referrals from Practitioners
CyberKnife Treatment
Following a referral, our radiation oncologist will review all relevant clinical details, imaging, and pathology reports to determine whether CyberKnife is an appropriate option within the patient’s overall treatment pathway. Our team works in partnership with referring practitioners to ensure clear communication and coordinated care throughout the treatment process.
25 Years
Clinical Experience
Clinical Trials
Active Research
Training
Radiology Education
Your CyberKnife Questions Answered
How is CyberKnife different from regular radiation therapy?
Will I need to stay in hospital for CyberKnife treatment?
What does the CyberKnife machine look like?
Will I be alone during the treatment session?
How many appointments will I need?
Is CyberKnife safe for surrounding tissues?
What happens after I finish CyberKnife treatment?
Can I continue my normal activities during CyberKnife treatment?
Why Choose Us?
Melbourne's First CyberKnife Centre
We operate from the Icon Centre in Cremorne, currently the only CyberKnife treatment location servicing Australia's eastern states. This dedicated centre is equipped with advanced technology and led by a team experienced in delivering stereotactic radiation therapy.
25 Years Experience
Dr Maitham Mathlum is a radiation oncologist with more than 25 years in clinical practice. He has a strong focus on head and neck, breast, gastrointestinal, and skin cancers, and is actively involved in research and clinical trials in cancer treatment.
Compassionate Care
We are committed to supporting every patient through their treatment journey. Our team provides clear information, empathy, and guidance at each stage, and are always available to answer questions or concerns.
Guidance and Support on Your Treatment Journey
Navigating cancer treatment can feel overwhelming but we’re here to help. If you are researching treatment options, our team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
Ask your doctor or specialist about a referral to our centre to explore whether CyberKnife may be suitable for you.