Can CyberKnife map spread of cancerous tumours? — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2010

With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumours, a tool called CyberKnife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. It is a robotic image-guided system.
2. It delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation.
3. It has the capability of achieving sub-millimetre accuracy.
4. It can map the spread of tumour in the body.

Explanation

• CyberKnife is a non-invasive, robotic image-guided radiosurgery system used for the treatment of cancerous and certain non-cancerous tumours. It delivers highly precise doses of radiation with sub-millimetre accuracy, enabling effective treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. However, CyberKnife is a therapeutic tool and not a diagnostic modality. It cannot map or determine the spread of tumours (metastasis) within the body; such functions are performed using imaging techniques like PET scans, CT scans, and MRI.

Answer: (d) It can map the spread of tumour in the body.