Proton therapy is a radiation treatment method used to treat cancer. It utilizes positively charged protons to deliver radiation directly to the tumor site. Protons possess a unique characteristic called the Bragg peak, which allows them to release most of their energy at a specific depth within the body, thus targeting the tumor and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision makes proton therapy particularly suitable for treating tumors located near critical structures or in pediatric patients. Proton therapy requires specialized equipment and the expertise of a medical team, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapists, to effectively administer the treatment.
The working principle of proton therapy involves accelerating protons to high speeds using machines called synchrotrons or cyclotrons. The high velocity of protons generates high energy, allowing them to reach the desired depth within the body. The protons are then delivered with targeted radiation doses to the tumor. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, proton therapy delivers lower radiation doses outside the tumor, resulting in less damage to nearby healthy tissues and potentially reducing side effects.
People receiving proton therapy are typically treated in an outpatient setting and do not require hospitalization. The number of treatment sessions depends on the type and stage of cancer. Sometimes, doctors administer proton therapy through 1 to 5 sessions of proton beam therapy. They often use larger daily radiation doses in fewer treatment sessions, which is commonly referred to as stereotactic body radiation therapy. If a person receives a single high dose of radiation, it is typically referred to as radiosurgery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the side effects of proton therapy? The treatment itself is painless. Afterwards, you may experience fatigue. You may also have skin issues, including redness, irritation, swelling, dryness, blistering, and peeling. You may have other side effects, especially if you are also undergoing chemotherapy. The side effects of proton therapy depend on the treated area, the size of the tumor, and the type of healthy tissue near the tumor. Consult your medical team to learn which side effects are most likely to affect you.
What are the advantages of proton therapy compared to X-ray therapy? Generally, proton therapy delivers up to 60% less radiation dose to healthy tissues surrounding the tumor compared to X-ray therapy. This reduces the risk of radiation damage to these tissues. It may allow for higher radiation doses to be applied to the tumor, increasing the chance of complete destruction of tumor cells with proton therapy's targeted approach. It may result in fewer and milder side effects, such as low blood cell count, fatigue, and less nausea during and after treatment.
How long does each treatment session take? Generally, proton radiation therapy lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes from the time you enter the treatment room. The treatment time will depend on the treated area and the number of treatment sessions. It will also depend on how clearly the team can visualize the tumor site during the positioning process using X-rays or CT scans.
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