RECEIVING PROTON THERAPY

How is proton therapy given to the patient?

Proton therapy is a non-invasive and painless treatment that can be performed in a proton therapy center without an overnight stay in the hospital. The time spent actually delivering the protons to the tumor is about one minute, but a treatment session can range from 15 to 30 minutes due to time spent positioning the patient for this precise treatment.

How long does receiving a full course of proton therapy take?

Depending on the patient's diagnosis, treatments are usually given five days a week, for a period of four to eight weeks. The time spent actually delivering the protons to the tumor is about one minute, but a treatment session can range from 15 to 30 minutes due to time spent positioning the patient for this precise treatment.

Is there any preparation or pre-treatment procedure that needs to occur prior to receiving proton therapy?

Once a radiation oncologist determines a patient is a candidate for proton therapy, there are several preparation steps that are taken. The following example illustrates the preparation steps for a treatment that would require a patient to lie down (e.g., prostate cancer):

First, the patient is fitted with a device that he or she will use during treatment to make sure the patient is in the same position for each session. Next, a CT scan is taken of the patient to provide the radiation oncologist and other medical specialists (physicist, dosimetrist) images of the patient's body structure, tissue and the location, size and shape of the tumor. The treatment team then studies the patient's information and determines the best treatment plan - how many sessions are required and how the proton beam should enter the body. Once the plan is complete, treatment sessions can begin.

Does a patient experience pain during proton therapy treatment?

In general, patients do not experience any discomfort during treatment. After treatment is completed, the patient can leave and resume normal activities. There is no risk of continued radiation exposure to the patient or others.

Are there any side effects of proton therapy?

Most patients report no side effects at all. If they do occur, side effects are generally minor and vary depending on the tumor location, a patient's general health, other medical conditions, age and medical history. Some patients experience tiredness, skin irritation or slight hair loss.

COST OF PROTON THERAPY

Is proton therapy covered by insurance?

In most cases, yes. Proton therapy is covered by many private insurance carriers, Medicare and many state Medicaid programs. Specific levels of reimbursement depend on the state and site of service and health insurer.

How does the cost of proton therapy compare to standard X-ray radiation therapy?

Treatment with protons can be more expensive than standard X-ray radiation therapy. However, because patients experience fewer long- and short-term side effects and have fewer hospital stays after receiving proton therapy, the long-term costs associated with standard-ray radiation therapy may be higher. Over the long-term, proton therapy reduces the chances of tumors occurring later in life, and the treatment of these tumors could add to overall treatment costs.

The actual cost of proton therapy will vary depending on the specific treatment plan and insurance coverage.

Will the advancement of proton therapy drive up healthcare costs?

The cost of healthcare is being affected by many aspects of medical diagnostics, treatment and after-care, with the benefit of people living longer, recovering faster and having a better quality of life, to name just a few. Proton therapy is an important treatment option for many patients and spares the costs of treating the short- and long-term side effects that are often experienced with standard X-ray radiation therapy. There are so few patients in the U.S. currently receiving proton therapy that it is a very small fraction of healthcare costs.