Role of 4D stereotactic radiotherapy with the CyberKnife® system in the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer remains in 2012 the leading cause of cancer-related deaths within the European Union. Although surgery still constitutes the standard treatment for lung cancer, it is not feasible for a large number of patients. Treatment of lung tumours thus requires an innovative treatment solution. The ability of the CyberKnife® stereotactic radiotherapy system to track and automatically correct for respiratory motion allows an increase of the radiation dose, and thus gives the opportunity to improve the efficacy of the treatment. In this article, an overview of this technology and its clinical benefits is provided and shows that it can offer an effective and safe option in the treatment of lung tumours, whether they are primary and early-stage, recurrent or secondary, as well as peripheral or central.