“When my doctor suggested CyberKnife® as an option I grabbed it with both hands,” says Tom Logan – an Auckland Radiation Oncology patient, who recently received treatment for prostate cancer using CyberKnife®.

Tom’s Story

When Tom noticed symptoms that might be associated with prostate cancer, he was proactive about seeing his GP.

“For years, my doctor had been checking in with me regularly about whether I had any symptoms - and for years, everything was fine. Then, it wasn’t,” says Tom.

Tom’s GP referred him to a urologist, who recommended surgery to some of his prostate followed by a course of radiation therapy.

“After I had surgery, my urologist referred me to Dr Ramesh Pandey at Auckland Radiation Oncology to discuss radiation therapy options. Following a consultation, I decided to undertake treatment with CyberKnife® and I’m so glad I did,” says Tom.

How CyberKnife® Differs to Other Radiotherapy Options

CyberKnife® is an advanced form of robotic radiotherapy that delivers highly targeted radiation with sub-millimetre accuracy.

For many men with prostate cancer, it offers a non-invasive treatment option with a shorter treatment course and fewer side effects than traditional approaches. In New Zealand, CyberKnife® is only available at Auckland Radiation Oncology.

The Treatment Process

Tom needed a course of five radiotherapy treatments using CyberKnife® – a process that he describes as being ‘straightforward and completely painless’.

“You go in, put on a gown and lie on the table. It’s almost like lying down for a nap.”

From getting changed into a gown for the procedure, to being checked by the nurse at the end of it, Tom says each treatment took less than 30 minutes.

“The experience was painless and fortunately there were no side effects.”

Living in Papakura, Tom was pleased to be able to drive home after each treatment at Auckland Radiation Oncology’s Epsom clinic.

Now that his sessions are complete, he’ll continue with regular blood tests to monitor the results.

Reflecting on the experience, Tom say he is grateful for both the technology and the team who made it possible.

“Everyone at Auckland Radiation Oncology was amazing. From the moment I arrived to when I left, they were really nice and so professional.”

Learn More About CyberKnife® at Auckland Radiation Oncology

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men in New Zealand, and Tom’s story is an important reminder to be proactive about having any symptoms checked.

His experience with Auckland Radiation Oncology also highlights the availability of world-leading technology for prostate cancer treatment in New Zealand.

While CyberKnife® is only available in Auckland, the reduced number of treatments required makes travelling from other parts of the country to receive a course of treatment possible.

You can learn more about CyberKnife® for prostate cancer here.