CyberKnife Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery

The CyberKnife, developed by Dr. John Adler, a neurosurgeon at Stanford, treated its inaugural patient in 1994. This pioneering system was the first dedicated stereotactic radiosurgery device that did not require an invasive stereotactic frame, allowing investigation of stereotactic principles in extracranial sites. The CyberKnife led to early studies of stereotactic radiotherapy for various anatomical sites, including lung, pancreas, spine, prostate, and other sites in the body. We review the early history of the development of the CyberKnife, describe the components of the system that facilitate stereotactic precision, highlight the technological advancements contributing to clinical outcomes over the years, and offer insights into the future of the CyberKnife, and the field of radiosurgery.