05.10.2026.
CyberKnife at Military Medical Academy: Major step forward in cancer treatment
With the addition of the CyberKnife technology and state-of-the-art radiotherapy equipment, the Military Medical Academy is expanding its capacity to deliver precise, individualised oncology treatments, using the latest radiotherapy methods and a multidisciplinary treatment model.
The Head of the Institute of Radiology at the Military Medical Academy, Colonel Dejan Kostić, MD, PhD, noted that the acquisition of the new equipment for the Department of Radiotherapy at the Military Medical Academy was a major step forward in cancer treatment.- The cutting-edge radiotherapy methods are now available to us. The introduction of a CT simulator, a TrueBeam linear accelerator, and a CyberKnife has allowed us to establish a new radiotherapy planning system, from patient preparation to procedure planning and execution – said Colonel Kostić.
He explained that the treatment process begins with the CT simulator.
- The patient is placed in the position for procedure. Following imaging, a team of our radiation therapists analyses the scans to map out the tumour, i.e. the target, as well as the organs of interest that need to be protected. After that, a team of our medical physicists creates a radiation treatment plan tailored to each individual patient – said Colonel Kostić.
He noted that the TrueBeam linear accelerator is capable of delivering a full range of radiotherapy procedures, from the simplest to the most complex ones, such as stereotactic procedures.
- This device is well suited for treating breast, prostate, head, neck, and lung tumours, as well as various types of metastatic cancer. Radiation doses are shaped to match the type and contours of the tumour. Prior to procedure, it is essential that the position of the tumour and the patient’s positioning are verified, to protect organs of interests, namely, healthy tissue – said the Head of the Institute of Radiology at the Military Medical Academy.
Colonel Kostić also emphasised that the CyberKnife is not a surgical knife and that the procedure is not a surgery.- It is a device that uses a linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm. It performs stereotactic procedures, stereotactic radiosurgery, and stereotactic radiotherapy. It is designed for small tumours that require extremely high precision and maximum protection of the surrounding healthy tissue. It is most commonly used to treat small tumours throughout the body, including the head, central nervous system, lung, liver, prostate, and pancreas – said Colonel Kostić, emphasising that in carefully selected patients, the treatment course can be completed in just a few visits, significantly improving patient comfort.
He stressed that radiotherapy is not just about the equipment, but the multidisciplinary team behind it, comprising radiotherapists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, X-ray technicians, and other medical staff.
- State-of-the-art equipment provides the capability, but its full potential can only be exploited through correct implementation of procedures, coupled with expertise, control of each step, and team collaboration – Colonel Kostić emphasised.
According to Colonel Kostić, the new cancer treatment capabilities rank the Military Medical Academy among leading international oncology centres, where a wide range of modern treatment methods are used, including systemic therapy, surgical oncology, interventional radiology and advanced radiotherapy methods. He emphasises that the goal of all employees is to provide every patient with precise, modern, and personalised care, ensuring the best possible quality of life for all patients.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY05.10.2026
mp4 (332,01 MB)Colonel Kostic's statement
