AN EFFECTIVE RADIATION TREATMENT

Proton therapy is an effective form of radiation therapy for many types of tumors. It destroys cancer cells by preventing them from dividing and growing, just like standard X-ray radiation. What makes proton therapy different from X-ray radiation is that less healthy tissue is damaged during treatment. This is because protons release more of their cancer destroying energy directly in the tumor and less in surrounding healthy tissue. This is an important benefit particularly when tumors are located near critical organs or structures, such as the brain, heart or spinal cord. With standard X-ray radiation, more energy is released as X-rays travel through the patient's body on their way to the tumor, both before and after the tumor site, damaging healthy tissue along the path.

THE BENEFITS OF PROTON THERAPY

The most significant benefit of proton therapy is that patients experience fewer short- and long-term side effects compared to standard X-ray radiation treatment. There is also a lower occurrence of secondary tumors which can occur many years after receiving radiation treatment.

Children can benefit significantly from proton therapy because their bodies are more vulnerable to the undesirable effects of radiation treatment. Radiation can cause developmental and growth problems, as well as a potential reduction in IQ.

The most significant benefits of proton therapy result from the reduced amount of radiation that is delivered to healthy tissues and critical organs during treatment. Benefits include:

• Fewer treatment-related, short- and long-term side effects
• Reduced incidence of secondary tumors resulting from radiation treatment
• Able to be used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy
• Potential for increased tumor control because of ability to get more effective radiation dose to the tumor
• Can be used to treat recurrences of cancer patients

PROVEN SUCCESS WITH PROTONS

The effectiveness of proton therapy has been proven in many clinical studies.  The amount of research being conducted on proton therapy is rapidly increasing as more centers open and more patient experiences become available.

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ANSWERS TO SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

HOW IS PROTON THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM X-RAY (PHOTON) RADIATION?

Both forms of radiation therapy can be equally effective in destroying tumors. However, X-rays can be harder to control and deposit more radiation in healthy tissue as they enter and leave the body. Proton beams deposit most of their energy directly in the tumor, reducing damage to healthy tissue and allowing patients to receive higher, more effective doses.

CAN CHILDREN RECEIVE PROTON THERAPY?

Yes, in fact proton therapy is particularly effective in children who need radiation therapy.  The damage to nearby healthy tissue and organs from standard X-ray radiation can be more harmful to children than adults because children's bodies are small and still growing. This damage can cause growth abnormalities, reductions in IQ, and other complications. New tumors can develop later in the child's life. Clinical studies show that proton therapy reduces the risk of growth and developmental problems, as well as tumors occurring later in life¹. A growing body of research is confirming the advantages of the use of proton therapy for children.

CAN PROTON THERAPY BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER CANCER TREATMENTS?

In many cases, yes. Since proton therapy causes fewer side effects than X-ray radiation, it can often be used in combination with chemotherapy, as a follow-up treatment to surgery and in combination with standard X-ray radiation. Patients should discuss combination therapy with a radiation and medical oncologist to determine the best treatment option.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECtS WITH PROTON THERAPY?

Patients do not feel pain or discomfort during treatment sessions. There may be side effects during or after treatment, but they are generally minor, less frequent and less severe than the side effects that can result from standard X-ray radiation. This is because less healthy tissue is being exposed to radiation during proton therapy. Side effects may include skin reactions in the direct path of where the proton beam enters the body to the tumor, fatigue, and in some cases, temporary hair loss. Depending on the specific location of the tumor, other side effects may be experienced. Your doctor will discuss with you the specific side effects that you may experience based on your tumor's location and your treatment plan.

IS PROTON THERAPY A NEW FORM OF TREATMENT?

No, proton therapy is not a new form of treatment. Proton therapy was approved by the FDA in 1988 for treating patients. Since the first hospital-based proton treatment center in the U.S. opened in California in 1990, four more centers have been developed by some of the leading academic institutions and cancer treatment centers in the country. Today, 26 centers are operating worldwide. Approximately 60,000 people - 30,000 in the U.S. - have received proton therapy. Currently, more than a dozen centers are under construction or announced, and physicians and their patients are seeking out this advanced cancer treatment as it becomes more available.

• What Tumors Are Best Treated with Protons?
• Frequently Asked Questions