Stereotactic radiosurgery center treats patients from around the world, sees increasing number of brain tumor patients.

1. July 18, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah Tiambeng, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3731, saraht@z-comm.com
Philadelphia CyberKnife Marks Seven Years On Cutting Edge
of Cancer Treatment and Research
Stereotactic radiosurgery center treats patients from around the world, sees increasing
number of brain tumor patients
HAVERTOWN, Pa. – This month, Philadelphia CyberKnife celebrates its seventh year of operations
as a service of Delaware County Memorial Hospital, part of the Crozer-Keystone Health System. The
center was the first provider of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment in the Philadelphia region
and has treated nearly 2,000 patients with the advanced procedure using CyberKnife® technology.
Through research spearheaded by the center’s team, Philadelphia CyberKnife has earned a global
reputation as a leader in the field of stereotactic radiosurgery. More than half of the patients treated at
Philadelphia CyberKnife have traveled from areas outside the center’s service area, including patients
from the United Kingdom, Australia and across the U.S.
“As the first CyberKnife center in the Philadelphia area, we have had the opportunity to play an
instrumental role in developing and demonstrating applications for this technology through our
research efforts,” said Dr. John Lamond, Philadelphia CyberKnife associate medical director. “Our
priority is to continuously investigate the best strategies in cancer care to better serve our patients
and improve treatment outcomes.”
Brain tumors are among the most frequently treated diseases at the center, making up a quarter of
total cases. In January, Philadelphia CyberKnife began collaborating with physicians in Crozer-
Keystone’s HAN Neurosurgical Practice Associates practice to provide joint consultations for brain
tumor patients when planning treatment. The new collaborative effort has led to a more
comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to patient care in a timely fashion.
CyberKnife usually treats brain tumors in one session, but treatment may require up to five sessions
depending on the individual diagnosis. During treatment, highly focused radiation beams are
delivered to tumors with sub-millimeter accuracy. The outpatient procedure does not require incisions
or sedation.
“Patients typically experience few to no side effects following treatment,” Dr. Lamond said. “For some
patients, choosing CyberKnife can mean a decreased risk of harming healthy brain tissue
surrounding a tumor as compared with other treatment methods. Additionally, the ability to
immediately return to their daily routines appeals to many of our patients.”
In addition to treating brain tumors, Philadelphia CyberKnife treats malignant and benign tumors in
the prostate, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney and eyes. The center is currently finalizing clinical
studies on brain, lung and gynecological cancers.

2. Philadelphia CyberKnife is a service of Delaware County Memorial Hospital, a member of the Crozer-
Keystone Health System. The center is located off the hospital’s main campus at 2010 West Chester
Pike in Havertown, Pa. For more information, call (610) 446-6850.
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