Hon Kim Hames MB BS JP MLA — Australia’s first CyberKnife unveiled in Perth

Western Australia is now home to Australia’s first CyberKnife, a technologically advanced weapon in the fight against cancer, which uses high-dose radiation to treat certain tumours.

 The CyberKnife, which delivers multiple beams of radiation using a robotic arm, is unique in its ability to deliver radiation to a precise area, in larger doses, and in fewer treatments.

 Unveiling the new equipment at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital today, Health Minister Kim Hames said he expected as many as 450 patients to benefit from such treatment each year.

 “WA is the first State in Australia to have a CyberKnife, and this $9million investment demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to delivering the very best health care to West Australians,” Dr Hames said.

 “The CyberKnife enables doctors to treat tumours with pinpoint accuracy.  It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of certain lung, brain, spine, liver and prostate cancers which otherwise may be inoperable, or where other treatment options may compromise other vital organs.

 “Another advantage is its ability to treat tumours that move, such as those in the lungs, to a greater level of accuracy, which is something other technology is not able to do.”

 Part of the new State Cancer Centre at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital has been purpose-designed to accommodate the CyberKnife, which will operate alongside the five linear accelerators already being used to treat patients with radiation therapy.

 “The State Government has made a significant investment to provide the best treatment for the 50,000 West Australians living with cancer, with the $54million Comprehensive Cancer Centre being used by 7,000 patients each year,” the Minister said.