Wellmont Health System hospitals are the best in the region, and the Bristol Regional Medical Center is one of just a handful of hospitals in the nation to offer the innovative CyberKnife. Located in the hospital’s J.D. and Lorraine Nicewonder Cancer Center, the CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery System uses state-of-the-art robotic technology to treat life-threatening tumors that would otherwise be inoperable.
How does CyberKnife work?
CyberKnife employs image-guided technology similar to that used by the military to target cruise missiles. A lightweight linear accelerator attached to a robotic arm generates up to 100 beams of radiation to attack diseased tissue. Because the radiation is delivered with sub-millimeter accuracy, tumors and other abnormalities receive a concentrated dose of radiation, but the impact on surrounding healthy tissue is minimized. Treatment is completely non-invasive, requires no anesthesia and is usually completed on an outpatient basis.
Many questions come with a cancer diagnosis. Use these links to learn more about your specific condition, talk with your doctor or call the Wellmont Nurse Connection at 1-877-230-NURSE.