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"We will be the first hospital in western India to have the CyberKnife and this will benefit several patients coming to our facility for treatment,” stated Dr Purvez Grant, chairman and managing trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic (RHC). The CyberKnife S7 is an advanced robotic radiotherapy machine. "The number of cancer cases has increased in the country and due to this it is required to upgrade the treatment facilities.” 

Added Behram Khodaiji, chief executive officer (CEO) of RHC, "Introducing the system to our suite of tools is about giving our patients access to one of the world’s most advanced treatment options.”

In association with Bajaj Finserv, the machine is developed by Accuray for the treatment of cancer, noted a write-up from RHC. Despite its name, the CyberKnife S7 does not make any surgical cuts or incisions; instead it uses precise, Artificial Intelligence-driven, non-invasive radiation therapy to target benign and malignant tumors. The CyberKnife’s real-time tracking ensures accurate targeting and shorter treatment times, with minimal side effects, which are site specific.

Dr Minish Jain, director of Medical Oncology at RHC, says: "The major breakthrough achieved by the CyberKnife is that it delivers radiation without surgery. The technology offers laser-sharp radiation in high doses in a short period of time. The robotic arm is tracked continuously. It locates the tumor and delivers radiation within one millimeter accuracy without damaging healthy cells. It is precise and efficient and has fewer side effects than conventional radiation. Although it cannot be used to treat all types of cancer, the CyberKnife is the most advanced technology for the treatment.

Radiation oncologist Dr Mansi Munshi Girme adds: "The CyberKnife considerably reduces extended courses of radiation which can be logistically inconvenient. During a 30 to 40-minute treatment session, small and extremely accurate dosages of laser-focused radiation are introduced to kill cancer cells. The CyberKnife is useful in treating specific tumor cases, which need great accuracy… 

  Dr Ashok Bhanage, and Shefali Bajaj, director, Bajaj FinServ

"Even certain favorable Stage 4 patients can be effectively treated and put into remission for extended periods of time. This was not the case previously but with the advent of modern chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radio-surgery/stereotactic body radiation therapy we are seeing longer survivals than we ever imagined.”

RHC’s Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre (CCCC) includes radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, a bone marrow transplant unit, a research center, an ultramodern laboratory and diagnostic facilities along with support services such as psychological, genetic and financial counselling, a medical social work department and pharmacy. Before using this new technology, RHC’s team of oncologists meet to discuss cases and take a multi-disciplinary decision as to the best course of treatment for the patient. 

The CyberKnife treatment is more expensive than standard radiation but RHC is committed to making it accessible to needy patients. Children are treated free. 

"Our vision was resolute — to provide comprehensive cancer care,” says Grant. "The journey commenced with a dedicated team and over the years we have consistently added new talent, embracing the latest technologies.” Notes Khodaiji, "Beyond medical excellence, our pledge is to illuminate the darkest moments with hope and provide unwavering support. In the face of adversity we continue this journey, making a difference, one life at a time.”

RHC has for more than 50 years been recognized as one of Poona’s premier hospitals providing accessible health care to the city and neighboring areas. Nearly 8,000 patients are treated every year. Starting off as a four-bed hospital in 1959, Ruby Hall now runs three hospitals across the city with more than 800 beds between them, setting a benchmark for quality and personalized healthcare in the region.