Cyberknife now in UK!

[Derek]

Hi all...

Good news for the UK contingent...The London Clinic, 20 Devonshire Place, London, W1G 6BW  telephone (+44) 0207 9354444 is acquiring the first CK system in the UK which will be available from 2009.

Whilst this is very good news it will now no doubt create a dilema for those in the UK on 'watch and wait' (like myself) who having selected GK as their eventual treatment option (should intervention become necessary) may well now reconsider their available options.

Regards

Derek

[tony]

Thanks, that is interesting
do you know if this is an NHS/Hospital option ?
I ask because my understanding  is that gamma knife
is really skull area only
while CK can be deployed for the neck and spine area
Best Regards
Tony

[ppearl214]

well, all I have to say is.... it's about dang time!  Thanks for letting us know, Derek.

Tony, if you check the CK Patient Support Forums (http://www.cyberknifesupport.org/forum/), you will see a listing, by body area, that CK is used... It's being used as a leader in treatment for prostate cancers, used on lung, etc.  My understanding is same as your's... GK is skull only, CK is other body parts. My understanding is that CK is not really being used for treatment of breast cancer.

Hope that helps.
Phyl

[Derek]

Thanks, that is interesting...
do you know if this is an NHS/Hospital option ?
Best Regards
Tony

The London Clinic is listed as an independent hospital and I am attempting to ascertain whether they accept NHS referrals. Will update in due course.

Regards

Derek

[tony]

Thanks, definately worth checking - these days if you cannot get a
specific treatment - that you do need - on the NHS.
the NHS will "buy" private treatment
(amazingly from private clinics, - sometimes operating
in NHS buildings, crewed by NHS trained staff....
barking...)
Best Regards
Tony

[Derek]

Clarification from the London Clinic...the Cyberknife will be operational from late 2009 and being an independent hospital they primarily deal with fee paying patients albeit a patients's relevant NHS authority may well be prepared to finance the treatment depending upon individual circumstances.

Regards

Derek