What is Proton Therapy?
Proton Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has become a trusted method for precisely targeting tumors and reducing the risk of side effects, providing an improved quality of life both during and after treatment. Proton therapy has a distinct advantage over traditional radiation therapy (x-ray/IMRT) because doctors can determine exactly where to release the maximum energy of the proton beam, avoiding unnecessary radiation to nearby healthy tissue and vital organs.
Provision CARES Proton Therapy utilizes the most precise form of proton therapy, Pencil Beam Scanning. Pencil Beam Scanning provides greater customization and precision in radiation therapy for cancer treatment, allowing physicians to target the tumor area with the highest radiation dose by a proton beam only millimeters wide, while controlling both the depth and position of the beam, and planning the exact point at which the proton beam stops inside the body.
What are the benefits?
The advantage of proton therapy is distinct from traditional radiation therapy treatment because the timing and dosage of proton energy can be specifically controlled. Since a proton beam can conform to a tumor’s shape and size, maximum beam energy is deposited directly into the tumor, sparing damage to surrounding tissues and organs. With conventional radiation therapy, x-ray beams deposit their energy along the entire path of the beam when entering and exiting the tumor site. Proton therapy decreases the radiation dose to gastrointestinal structures by at least 59% compared to X-rays. Proton beam therapy limits the risk of negative side effects and impact to bodily functions that are a routine part of conventional radiation treatment.
Proton therapy is a non-invasive radiation therapy treatment for cancer. It is most beneficial for treating patients with a localized tumor, where cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, or in situations where tumors cannot be removed surgically. Proton therapy may also be an option for cases that require radiation therapy in addition to surgery, or combined with other treatment options.
Provision CARES Proton Therapy is passionate about caring for people who are fighting cancer. Contact a treatment location near you to learn more about whether proton therapy is the right radiation therapy treatment for you.
