Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

12/09/2025

Hearing your doctor say, “You have cancer,” once is hard enough. Hearing it a second time, years later is worse. Both times, the forever positive minded Clinton and Rhonda Ward said “There’s life in cancer.” They were determined to return to the CyberKnife Center of Miami where Clinton would be treated for a second time for recurring prostate cancer. The Ward’s are sharing their story in hope of helping others.

When Clinton was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 his doctor said, “If you were any other 78-year-old man I would say, let us not do anything. Let nature take its course because you will likely die of something else before you die of prostate cancer. But you are not your average elderly man, you are extremely active, healthy, with a young blended family and enjoying the pleasures of living, so for you I recommend CyberKnife radiation therapy.”

Clinton and Rhonda had read remarkable reviews about CyberKnife treatment for cancer. That it’s non-invasive and has a high cure rate. But they wanted to be sure and researched all Clinton’s treatment options for recurring prostate cancer.

Rhonda says, “After reading everything I could about surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and other types of radiation treatments, we determined CyberKnife radiation therapy would be his best treatment option.”

It requires only 5 radiation treatment sessions instead of 42 with other types of radiation and because of its missile guided, pinpoint accuracy, CyberKnife can deliver high doses of radiation beams which target the tumor site, leaving the surrounding areas unharmed. That greatly reduces the risk of side effects including impotence and incontinence. That was vital to both Clinton and Rhonda. But especially Clinton, because as Rhonda puts it, “He’s a strong, proud, virulent, southern Black man and his natural manhood is crucial to him.”

The next step was finding the best cancer treatment center and doctor that used CyberKnife technology, so Rhonda called the company that manufactures CyberKnife, which is Accuray, located in California.

Rhonda says, “We were prepared to travel from Florida to California and stay as long as necessary for his treatment, but they told us, you don’t need to travel all the way here, there is an excellent CyberKnife center, with one of the most experienced teams right where you live in South Florida. It is called the CyberKnife Center of Miami located on Kendall Drive.”

Rhonda called CyberKnife Miami and as is standard procedure for this team of cancer experts, Clinton got in right away and began treatment.

The treatment was a success. Clinton and Rhonda spent the next decade living life to the fullest, as she says, “And I mean to the fullest in every way. The treatment did not affect Clinton physically nor intimately. All fears were laid to rest as many men fear.”

Rhonda says, “After his CyberKnife treatments I asked his doctor if he’s cured now and he said we’re doctors, we’re not God but you’re doing the right thing by choosing CyberKnife.”

Clinton was treated by Dr. Mark Pomper, the medical director at CyberKnife Miami and a board-certified radiation oncologist. Dr. Pomper says, “There is always a chance the cancer can recur down the road. Typically, we do not see that happening, however Clinton had an intermediate risk of the cancer coming back because he had a high PSA score when he was diagnosed. We do the best we can, but we cannot diagnose microscopic disease. His PSA was over 14 so there is a greater chance it may come back. Plus, prostate cancer tends to be more aggressive in Black men.”

Fast forward 11 years and, sure enough, Clinton’s prostate cancer had metastasized. This time he had tumors in the bones of the lower pelvic and spine area.

Rhonda says, “Right away we asked Clinton’s other doctors about CyberKnife treatment and again we were told it would not help. But we knew it would and went right back to CyberKnife Miami and started treatment in January of 2023. Immediately we felt a sense of relief, it eased our stress knowing we were in the best hands.”

She adds, “The medical care and service they provide at CyberKnife Miami is excellent. Like none other. They treat you as if you are the most important person in the world. Like you are the president of the United States or leader of any country. Their bedside manner is excellent and so compassionate. They’re amazing, so knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. Radiation therapist Mario Tobon is just a Godsend. They are meticulous with your treatment plan. And Maria Kristina Borgen, who we spoke to first, scheduled our appointments and made the entire process as easy and simple as possible. No cancer center works with you like they do. And God bless that CyberKnife robot. After the second day of treatment, the pain Clinton felt from the tumors had already eased.”

Rhonda says, “Clinton’s 90 now and I cherish every moment and take nothing for granted. The CyberKnife treatments never affected him. He is still a vibrant, enthusiastic man living a full life. Even his doctors, including his oncologist who told us CyberKnife would not work, are impressed with his results. Today his PSA level is less than 0.02 and his scan results are excellent. We were not expecting any more cancer, but we wasted no time getting back to CyberKnife Miami for treatment.”Rhonda adds, “I do not have any stock in CyberKnife, but Clinton and I tell everyone about this technology.”

As more people hear about CyberKnife cancer treatment, they are asking for and even demanding it. As more doctors learn about it, including those in medical school, they are recommending it.

There’s 30 plus years of research proving CyberKnife’s safety and effectiveness, so the technology is becoming more readily available as more cancer centers are adding CyberKnife to their arsenal of cancer fighting tools.

As for Clinton’s prognosis, Dr. Pomper says, “He has multiple areas of metastatic disease, we can’t cure it, but we can slow it down and help him live longer and without pain.” Dr. Pomper adds, “If you saw him, you would be amazed. He does not look frail or old he really looks good.”

Rhonda says, “I feel God has allowed my husband to go through cancer a second time to live and tell people about CyberKnife. This cancer is stage 4, but when other doctors said CyberKnife will not help, I thought oh no, if he is going to die, we are going down trying, and we have no regrets. We are not here forever but give me some extended years. You must find the right people, positive people like Dr. Pomper and his team at CyberKnife Miami who are going to work with you.”

To find out if CyberKnife can help you, call our team at 305-279-2900. Our promise is to get you treated as effectively, safely, quickly and easily as possible, with the least disruption to your life.







cyberknife prostate forum

When prostate cancer comes back, patients should consider CyberKnife radiation therapy as a treatment option

12/06/2025

CyberKnife centers are widely available across the U.S. and globally, with major providers like Akumin and CyberKnife (Accuray) offering location finders to pinpoint facilities by state, city, or near you, found in numerous hospitals and dedicated cancer centers, treating various cancers and conditions like brain tumors, prostate cancer, lung cancer, spinal issues, and nerve disorders like Trigeminal Neuralgia with non-invasive robotic radiation.

Here are Links to Find Official CyberKnife Sites: CyberKnife.com/treatment-centers/ use their locator tool.

Accuray, the manufacturer of CyberKnife, use their locator tool Accuray.com/treatment-centers/, for facilities using their technology.

Akumin: Check the Akumin.com/cyberknife/locations/ page for a list of states with centers.

Here Are Just a Few of the 300 CyberKnife centers within the U.S.
There are about 1000 world wide and more going into medical centers all the time. It is a booming technology, because it's a better, safe, faster, more effective technology compared to other types of radiation technology.

The CyberKnife Center of Miami
Treats cancerous and benign tumors and nerve disorders like Trigeminal Neuralgia and Acoustic Neuromas. This team is one of the most experienced world wide, having been one of the first centers to open in 2003. The team of experienced radiation oncologists and radiation therapists are among those who have been using CyberKnife the longest, and it's all they do, all day long.

UCSF Brain Tumor Center: Offers CyberKnife for brain tumors.

Spokane CyberKnife: Serves the Inland Northwest region.

Parkview Health in Fort Wayne IN: Is the home to the region's only CyberKnife.

Baptist Health Floyd Cancer Center in New Albany, IN

RWJBarnabas Health: Toms River, NJ

Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center: Fayetteville, NC

Phoenix CyberKnife and Radiation Oncology Center: Phoenix, AZ

Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU

Langone Hospital—Long Island

CyberKnife Center: Mineola, NY

The CyberKnife Center at Saint Vincent Hospital: Worcester, MA

CyberKnife Center of Chicago: Elmhurst, IL

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center & Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center: Georgia

Key Takeaways
Widespread Use: There are over 300 systems in the U.S., mostly in hospitals.

Non-Invasive: Delivers precise radiation for various cancers (brain, prostate, lung, etc.).

Robotic Precision: Tracks tumors and adjusts for movement, requiring no anesthesia.

Only requires 1-to-5 treatments while maintaining quality of life.

Use the locator tools to find the closest center for your specific needs.
Accuray.com/treatment-centers/,

If you are in the South Florida area, or want to come to the CyberKnife Center of Miami for a consultation call 305-279-2900.
Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

Treatment Centers Find a Facility Near You This locator is a tool to help you search for Accuray technology near you. Please indicate your location of search. Clicking on a treatment center takes you directly to the center’s website if available. Please Note: Accuray attempts to provide up-to-date...

12/04/2025

New Treatment for Osteoarthritis Pain Now Offered at CyberKnife Miami: It's Gentle, Noninvasive With No Downtime
If you’re living with joint pain from osteoarthritis and haven’t found lasting relief through medications, physical therapy, or injections, and you don't want, or can't have joint replacement surgery, there is new help.

CyberKnife Miami is now offering Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis.

LDRT has been shown to improve mobility and lessen pain for about 70% of the patients who are treated.

The low dose of radiation, basically an x-ray, can decrease the inflammation associated with OA and patients have seen improvement after just weeks of treatment.

The CyberKnife technology delivers a low amount of radiation directly to the affected joint. It helps calm inflammation and reduce chronic pain.

While LDRT has been used safely in Europe for decades, it’s still relatively new in the U.S., and is now available to patients right here in our community.

LDRT may be a great option if you:
Are over 50 and experiencing persistent joint pain

Can’t tolerate medications like NSAIDs

Aren’t ready for surgery or want to delay joint replacement

Want a safe, outpatient option with no recovery time

Treatment typically involves just a few quick sessions over a couple of weeks, and most patients report feeling relief within a month.

If you think Low-Dose Radiation Therapy might be right for you or a loved one, call our team at 305-279-2900 for a consultation.
Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

12/03/2025

What Can CyberKnife Treat Outside of Cancer? ~ CyberKnife is a state-of-the art extremely targeted radiation therapy typically used for cancer, but it’s also used for non-cancerous conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), acoustic neuromas and even Parkinson’s disease to control tremors, according to the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami, one of the leading CyberKnife treatment centers in the United States.

Let’s explore how CyberKnife can help treat other non-cancerous conditions.

CyberKnife for Nerve Pain

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition effecting the trigeminal nerve on the face that causes chronic and sometimes sudden intense shock-like pain.

And while CyberKnife is FDA approved for trigeminal neuralgia, many of those with the condition aren’t aware this easy, simple treatment exists.

Trigeminal neuralgia patients often start with anti-seizure medications or muscle relaxants. They try Botox, and some turn to invasive surgery to lessen the pain.

Yet one treatment with CyberKnife could be the answer.

“I’m surprised at how long many of these patients have suffered before they are referred to a CyberKnife center for treatment. That’s why it’s so very important that we get this information out about CyberKnife as a non-invasive treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia,” says Dr. Mark Pomper, medical director of CyberKnife Miami and board-certified radiation oncologist.

The largest prospective, single-institution study from Italy published in 2018 in the journal Neurosurgery found: “Pain relief was achieved in 93.5% of patients after a median delay of three weeks after treatment” with CyberKnife.

Nearly 75% of the patients in the study achieved pain relief after just one treatment. That meant these patients were able to decrease their pain medications and eventually stop using them.

Of the patients in the study, 33 or 25% of patients underwent a second treatment with CyberKnife. And after that treatment they achieved pain relief.

“Patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia should always consider alternative options to surgery,” says Dr. Pomper. “After trying medication, ask your doctor, is there a non-invasive treatment available? Typically, patients need only one CyberKnife treatment. If the pain returns, a second treatment may be considered but we’ve been very successful with just one treatment.”

CyberKnife Success for AVMs

An arteriovenous malformation or AVM is an abnormal tangle or knot of blood vessels in the brain affecting about 1% of the population.

Most people with AVMs are born with them. They go undiagnosed until symptoms develop typically in a person’s mid-30’s.

Left untreated, AVMs can cause brain bleeds, brain damage or strokes.

CyberKnife can lower the long-term risk of an AVM bleed by shrinking the AVM with high-dose external radiation.

The treatment is pain free and outpatient. Most people only require one treatment, but some may need additional treatments.

“The most effective way is to give radiation to the area most at risk. And it’s very localized and very precise with the CyberKnife,” says Dr. Pomper,

According to a 20-patient study in 2020 the majority of patients saw complete obliteration of their AVMs with CyberKnife.

CyberKnife for Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma, also known as a Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) is a benign typically slow-growing tumor developing from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear.

“The precarious location of an acoustic neuroma makes surgery tricky, and conventional radiation doesn’t have the pinpoint accuracy that CyberKnife does, according to Dr. Pomper, who says CyberKnife has the precision and accuracy to treat acoustic neuromas.”

CyberKnife for Parkinson’s Disease and Other Conditions

One of the latest diseases CyberKnife is being studied for is Parkinson’s Disease.

Earlier this year, a 78-year-old patient in India, who was also a prostate cancer survivor, was treated with CyberKnife to reduce his tremors. Doctors targeted the CyberKnife radiation to ablate the specific area of his brain that was causing tremors.

Within two days of a 15-minute treatment with CyberKnife, the patient saw significant improvement, according to his doctor.

While more studies are needed, there is hope CyberKnife may be able to help others with Parkinson’s Disease.

Standford Medicine doctors are also researching other applications for CyberKnife including back pain, high blood pressure, depression and other psychological conditions.

In addition the CyberKnife can be used for non-invasive treatment of certain irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. The procedure is also called stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR).

It’s a potential alternative for certain patients with persistent arrhythmias who are not good candidates for or have failed catheter ablation.

For instance: Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Research has shown CyberKnife to be a therapeutic alternative for recurrent VT, particularly in patients with pre-existing heart disease.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Initial investigations have explored the use of Cyberknife for AFib, but more data is needed.

CyberKnife for Osteoarthritis

It also is currently being tested, and even used at some cancer centers to eliminate the pain of osteoarthritis. The CyberKnife radiation dose is lowered in this instance.

Low-dose radiation therapy is particularly effective at reducing inflammation, leading to improved mobility and pain relief.

Additional benefits include: Painless treatment—The sessions are non-invasive and short, typically lasting only a few minutes.

Minimal side effects—This therapy’s low dose minimizes potential side effects often associated with higher doses of radiation necessary for cancer treatment.

Long-lasting effects—A few sessions can lead to effects that last up to two years, with the option for periodic re-administration if pain recurs or worsens.

Suitable for older patients—This therapy is a safe alternative for older patients with persistent osteoarthritis pain.

Cost effective—Many insurance plans approve and cover this treatment, making it a practical option for individuals seeking relief from osteoarthritis pain.

If you have any questions about how CyberKnife can help with any of these conditions or with a cancerous tumor, call CyberKnife Miami at 305-279-2900.
Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

Discover the conditions CyberKnife can successfully treat outside of cancer, from nerve disorders to benign tumors.

12/03/2025

With Accuray – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

11/28/2025

Lung, Liver, Pancreatic Tumors and Trigeminal Neuralgia are among the things CyberKnife radiation therapy can treat with much less risk of side effects. Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Robert Rostock talks about his experience treating patients with CyberKnife technology, "With its Synchrony system we're now able to safely treat things much more accurately, like organs that move which are adjacent to critical structures."
To find out if you are a candidate for treatment with CyberKnife, call one of the most experienced teams worldwide at the CyberKnife Center of Miami 305-279-2900.
Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

We caught up with Robert Rostock M.D, Radiation Oncologist at the Geisinger Medical Center and his personal experience with the S7 System:"With S...

11/27/2025

Wishing you a holiday filled with warmth, laughter, the company of loved ones, and your blessings overflowing this Thanksgiving and always!

11/26/2025

Take a moment to explore studies, publications and abstracts from around the world on a wide variety of malignant and benign diseases treated with CyberKnife radiation therapy.
We update new papers on a regular basis so you can see how medical health professionals are improving patient outcomes using the latest technology.
If you have any questions about treatment with CyberKnife call the leading experts in CyberKnife treatment at the CyberKnife Center of Miami.
They are always happy to talk to patients, and help guide them toward their best treatment option, whether that is CyberKnife or not. Call 305-279-2900.
Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

Discover global publications and webinars showcasing evidence-based treatments and techniques for CyberKnife® and TomoTherapy® platforms.

11/24/2025

Linda Sanders talks about her brain Meningioma and treatment with CyberKnife. Meningiomas can be surgically removed, which is invasive and riskier, or in Linda's case, eliminated using CyberKnife radiation therapy.
There is no pain or recovery time with CyberKnife.
Linda recommends CyberKnife to anyone needing treatment for a Meningioma or any other type of tumor.
She was treated at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.
Meningiomas are among the ailments we treat most often at CyberKnife Miami.
The success rate for treating brain or spine meningiomas with CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery is very high.
About 95 percent of meningiomas stop growing after one treatment or a small series of treatments.
While classified mostly as benign tumors, meningiomas can arise in the brain or spine, and as they grow can cause life-threatening complications.

Treatment options are microsurgery to remove it or radiation therapy like CyberKnife.

A major advantage to CyberKnife is that it’s non-invasive and doesn’t require a metal frame be screwed into the patient’s skull to perform treatment like with the Gamma Knife.

Another advantage of CyberKnife treatment is the ability to deliver treatment in one to five sessions, which makes it possible to more safely treat some meningiomas that are larger or located next to critical structures like the optic nerve.

The CyberKnife uses highly focused and precisely aimed radiation beams that destroy the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
The CyberKnife will move slowly around you during treatment.
You won’t feel a thing; it’s completely pain free.
Patients dress comfortably in their own clothes and can bring music to listen to during the treatment.
Nothing will be required of the patient during the treatment, except to relax.
In fact, patients often sleep through the treatment.

If patients have symptoms like headaches, double vision, seizures, or other symptoms, these likely will improve after CyberKnife, though improvements typically take several months or longer in some cases.

At the CyberKnife Center of Miami, we understand that the diagnosis and treatment of a meningioma may be a very emotional experience for you and your loved ones.
That’s why our staff takes every precaution to put your mind at ease.
We will explain the treatment process, procedure, and benefits so you know exactly what to expect.
If you have been told you have a meningioma, you owe it to yourself to contact CyberKnife Miami to see if you might be a candidate for CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery. Call us at (800) 204-0455.
Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

In this patient testimonial, Linda Sanders talks about her experience with Meningioma and the CyberKnife treatment. Linda Sanders had her first experience wi...

11/22/2025

A successfully treated brain tumor patient, along with radiation oncologist Dr. Joana Emmolo explain the benefits of treating inoperable brain tumors, including metastases, with the CyberKnife® Radiosurgery System.
CyberKnife treats all types of brain tumors very effectively. Nationwide, thousands of patients suffering from brain tumors have been treated using CyberKnife therapy while maintaining quality of life.

Thanks to breakthrough advances in technology, the CyberKnife uses radiation to ablate brain tumors and stop them from growing.

The pinpoint accuracy of CyberKnife also minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which can be a problem with standard radiation.

Who Is a Candidate for CyberKnife?
Most people who have been told that they are not a candidate for surgery, because a tumor is in a dangerous area of the brain, may be a candidate for CyberKnife Brain Cancer Treatment.

We can also treat benign lesions, post-operative patients, and metastases.

What To Expect from CyberKnife Brain Tumor Treatment?
Most patients can be treated in 1-to-5 treatments over a period of a few days. The treatment itself is comfortable, and patients can expect little to no side effects after undergoing CyberKnife.

What Types of Brain Tumors Can CyberKnife Treat?
Whether benign, such as meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas, and cavernous angiomas; primary, such as persistent/recurring glioblastomas or astrocytomas; or metastatic tumors, we treat them all with great success.

Despite its name, CyberKnife is not a knife at all. Also known as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), this cutting-edge radiation technology is completely non-invasive.

There’s no cutting, incision, blood, anesthesia, or pain. There are few, if any, side effects and no recovery time. You can resume your normal activities immediately following treatment.

Each treatment takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Patients typically require only one to five treatments instead of 10 or more treatments with conventional radiation therapy. If tumors come back, we often can treat them again.

The CyberKnife system can be used either on a stand-alone basis or in combination with other brain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or whole-brain radiation therapy.

Unlike other radiosurgery systems – such as the Gamma Knife – the CyberKnife system does not require patients to be fitted with a rigid and invasive head frame and is done on an outpatient basis. In the set-up stage, the radiation therapist will create a soft mesh mask that is custom fitted to the patient’s face. This comfortable and non-invasive mask helps keep the patient’s head and neck still during treatment.

While wearing the mask, a CT scan will be performed. The CT data will be used by the CyberKnife team to determine the exact size, shape and location of the tumor.

The medical team will determine the size of the area that must be targeted by radiation and the appropriate radiation dose.

The CyberKnife will move slowly around you during treatment and you won’t feel a thing. It’s completely pain free. Patients dress comfortably in their own clothes and can bring music to listen to during treatment. Nothing will be required of the patient, except relaxation. In fact, patients often sleep through the treatment.

There are generally only minimal side effects from CyberKnife treatments, which may include mild headache and fatigue.

After completing the CyberKnife treatment, patients will schedule follow-up appointments.

Keep in mind that the brain tumor will not suddenly disappear. In fact, it could take several weeks or longer for the full effect of the treatment to be known.

Response to treatment varies from patient to patient. Clinical experience has shown that most brain cancer patients respond very well to CyberKnife treatments.

CyberKnife radiosurgery has been used for more than three decades with extremely high rates of tumor control, and most patients are good candidates for treatment.

If you have been told you have a brain tumor, you owe it to yourself to call CyberKnife Miami at (800) 204-0455 for a consultation or second opinion.
Chances are you will be very happy you did.
Cyberknife Center of Miami - The Beam Of Life

Joana Emmolo, MD, a radiation oncologist at Overlook Medical Center, explains the benefits of treating inoperable brain tumors, including metastases, with th...

11/21/2025

Dr. John R. Adler invented a knife that's not really a knife. It's the CyberKnife. For surgeons treating patients with tumors, it doesn't slice like a scalpel — or anything else for that matter.
In fact, it never touches or penetrates the skin.
Rather, it was a breakthrough in both radiation treatment and surgery.
It's a device that robotically moves around a patient using software to precisely pinpoint bursts of radiation to attack a tumor with minimal risk of damaging healthy, surrounding tissue.

Adler, a Harvard-trained neurosurgeon, invented the CyberKnife after seeing an earlier device that he knew he could improve upon by incorporating advancements in software, imaging and robotics.

Not only has the CyberKnife treated more than a million patients, the concept behind it is being incorporated in other lifesaving devices. Trying to perfect the CyberKnife and find new uses consumes Adler's working life.

At 71, he toils on. His latest company is Zap Surgical Systems, based in San Carlos, Calif., where he is founder and CEO.
"Basically all modern radiotherapy equipment kind of does what the CyberKnife does today," he said. "How can I not feel good about that? But also, how can I not walk away from that ability, or sense of duty, of not giving up yet."

In medical and innovator circles, Adler has certainly attracted recognition. They have ranged from the American Radium Society's Janeway Medal to induction in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons presented Adler with its Cushing Award for Technical Excellence and Innovation in Neurosurgery in 2018.
His "vision, persistence and entrepreneurial drive" resulted in transformative advances in radiosurgery, said Katie Orrico, the association's CEO.
"These innovations have reshaped the neurosurgical landscape, giving patients with brain and spinal tumors and arteriovenous malformations noninvasive treatment options that were once unimaginable," she said "His contributions continue to change lives every day, and our profession is stronger for his leadership and example."

Adler considers himself to be a surgeon first, though much of his career has been dominated by his work as an entrepreneur. In both the realms of medicine and invention, he looks back on his accomplishments with a sense of wonder.
At almost every turning point, from being accepted to Harvard, taking the leap into becoming a physician, inventing a device that would improve the lives of millions, Adler expresses a sense of awe.
He said he really never thought about the "capacity of a human being, of one person to change the world through your ideas. And it never dawned on me that you could have ideas that other people would then want to use."

The idea of the CyberKnife didn't leap out to him in the dark. Rather, it was the result of lifelong learning and lessons.
He was born in Yonkers, N.Y., and raised in Somers, Conn. His parents worked together in bookkeeping and accounting. He was entrepreneurial from the beginning, starting with a succession of newspaper delivery routes starting at age 11 and culminating in working on a fishing boat at age 18.
Some of his lessons came from scouting. In working his way up to becoming an Eagle Scout, Adler learned to always leave his campsite better than he found it. And from an unhappy stint in parochial school, he was ingrained with the notion that it's a sin to not use your God-given talents.
Except for maybe athletics, to which he admits to being mediocre, Adler succeeded at most of what he tried. His motivation to be the best was usually straightforward. When it came to outselling other Scouts during fundraisers, he wasn't trying to show off. He just wanted to go to camp for free.

Adler assumed that he'd attend the University of Connecticut for college, but was told by his high school teachers he was smart and accomplished enough to have a shot at Harvard. He got in. Then, coming from a family of modest means, he graduated in three years to save money.
Aiming to become a biochemist, a classmate urged him to apply for medical school instead. He liked the idea of applying his science education to treating patients while still being able to do research.
As he would so many times in his life, he took the more challenging route: becoming a surgeon. "The harder work appealed to me," he said. Besides, surgery was almost a throwback to his days casting nets. "There's not that much difference between filleting a fish and operating on the human spine," he said.

His breakthrough began with a stint in Stockholm, Sweden, to study radiosurgery. An inspirational surgeon, Lars Leksell, had invented a device he called the Gamma Knife. Like what would become the CyberKnife, it shot radiation into the skull of brain tumor patients with a high degree of precision. The downside was the device had a frame that had to be screwed into a patient's skull — not a pleasant prospect.
Adler thought he could improve on Leksell's creation. He envisioned a machine that fired beams as precisely as Leksell's without a frame.
He became obsessed. "I became possessed with trying to make something new and better and different," Adler said.

The actual concept didn't take that long to create — a couple of weeks. A computer could analyze X-rays or a CT scan and a robotic arm would then move around the head to aim the radiation beam. There were added benefits. Without a Gamma Knife-style frame, the same principles could be applied to anywhere on the body, wherever a tumor appears.
Gradually, Adler worked through the challenges and the finer points of the device. Obsession gave way to perseverance. He filed a patent but couldn't find backers for the project. Adler presented to medical device giants like General Electric (GE), Siemens and Phillips and each rejected the concept.
"The hard part of invention is that until you've proven it, it's just an idea," Adler said.

By then, Adler had moved to Stanford University in the heart of California's Silicon Valley and formed a company, Accuray. He convinced Stanford to fork over $1.3 million to buy one of his machines in the early 1990s. Fellow surgeons kicked in an additional $800,000 or so.

The first machine was rudimentary and clunky by his own admission. But "it worked," he said. "Kind of lived up to maybe 50% of what was promised, but it was enough to get going."
He got going, but the first few years were rough. Money was tight. He plowed all he had into the company he created to make the CyberKnife.
Eventually a Japanese company invested and he started selling CyberKnife machines in Japan.
After another run of tough times, Adler took Accuracy's helm.
"The company was really floundering," he said, and his arrival was met by a management revolt. But over three years he said he was able to right the ship. By the time he left, the order book was in good shape, allowing Adler to return to research at Stanford where he developed procedures that made the machines even more useful.

Make The Elephant Dance
He left Accuray and went to a big health care company, Varian Medical (VAR), which has an extensive radiotherapy unit. But it lacked the nimbleness of a small company. He wasn't happy. "After a couple of years trying to make the elephant dance, I realized this elephant wasn't going to dance," he said.

He left to create Zap. The company is looking to prove how radiation can be used more to treat tumors. For instance, he cites research that shows that radiation treatments could provide promise in treating depression and addiction.
Once again, he said he's obsessed — "good team, good culture, solid investor base, growing business, growing market." He's eyeing a possible initial public offering in a couple years.

From the operating room to the boardroom, Adler has experienced it all. Does he miss being a working surgeon?
"Immensely," he said. "Only a surgeon would understand what an amazing experience it is to be able to walk into an operating room and take a diseased human being and restore them to health or cure them. It's an amazing thing. I like to say there's few better things in life than coming out of the operating room and seeing a grateful family that's just exuberant."

"I liken it to a big hug by one of my grandkids. It's just an amazing feeling, pure joy," he said.

Adler's Keys:
Neurosurgeon who invented the CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) system, allowing precision therapeutic radiation.

Overcame: Initial lack of commercial interest in the CyberKnife.

Lesson: "I became possessed with trying to make something new and better and different.”

AUTHOR: CHRIS WOODYARD

Dr. John R. Adler invented a knife that's not really a knife. His CyberKnife has treated more than a million patients, by his estimate.