SALT LAKE CYBERKNIFE OPENS
Offering The First Full Body Non-Invasive Cancer Treatment In The State Of Utah
January 2008

Patients with benign and malignant tumors throughout the body can benefit from a state-of-the-art cancer treatment now being offered in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, US Radiosurgery and their physician partners have joined to create Salt Lake CyberKnife, becoming the first group to offer this technology in Utah.

The CyberKnife® administers stereotactic radiosurgery by using a combination of robotic and computer-aided technology to deliver a high-powered dose of radiation to the tumor site. The CyberKnife is the only radiation delivery system that constantly tracks the location of the tumor and with sub-millimeter accuracy. That allows the CyberKnife to spare healthy surrounding tissue that might otherwise be affected during treatment. If the patient moves during treatment, the CyberKnife automatically detects and compensates for the change, further ensuring that only the targeted tumor receives radiation.

The CyberKnife is the only stereotactic radiosurgery machine that does not require the use of a head frame for treatment, making the patient experience painless and comfortable. Since there is no incision, no pain, and minimal recovery time, the patient is able to leave the facility immediately following the procedure.

"One of the most exciting and unique features of this technology is the ability to deliver radiosurgery to targets that move with respiration, such as the lung, liver, kidneys and pancreas," said Leland Rogers, MD, a radiation oncologist with Gamma West Radiation Therapy.  He adds, "This is the first system in the world designed to treat tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy, and we are very happy that we can offer this to our patients in Utah and the Intermountain West."

Bringing this innovative technology to the state of Utah was made possible through collaboration between a group of forward-thinking local physicians, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center and US Radiosurgery.  Greg Spurlock, Chief Operating Officer of US Radiosurgery says, "We are very pleased to be involved in a partnership that enables the hospital and the local physicians to offer a revolutionary form of cancer treatment to the residents of Utah. This will most certainly elevate the region as a leading resource for cancer care."

Robert Hood, MD, a neurosurgeon with Neurosurgical Clinic of Utah says, "The CyberKnife is a life-saving tool that provides a treatment option for tumors of the brain and spine that were previously considered inoperable. It will enable me and other neurosurgeons in the Valley to offer new hope for cancer patients. This is very exciting for all of us."     

Salt Lake CyberKnife is located at 3820 South 700 East, Suite 105. 285 tons of concrete were used in construction of the special vault which will house the machine.  For more information about Salt Lake CyberKnife, please call 801-747-6943 or visit www.saltlakeck.com.

Located at 1050 East South Temple, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center is a 200-bed acute-care hospital that offers cardiology, oncology, brachytherapy, bariatrics, senior services, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics and emergency services.  Originally built as Holy Cross Hospital in 1875, it is one of the most trusted and respected medical facilities in Utah.

US Radiosurgery establishes partnerships with surgeons, radiation oncologists and hospitals to develop and manage stereotactic radiosurgery services (SRS) across the country.  US Radiosurgery's founders have over 75 years of combined experience in partnering with physicians and hospitals and have been providing services in conjunction with the neurosurgery community for the last five years.  US Radiosurgery's corporate offices are located in Nashville, TN.