Given advancements in research and the development of treatment protocols, there are now more options available for people that have cancer. Proton therapy is one of these promising options. During early 2015, there were over 30 particle therapy centers being constructed throughout the world. These cancer treatment centers have experienced success with different types of cancer, which includes, but is not limited to, breast cancer, brain cancer, and prostate cancer.

How Proton Therapy Works

A proton treatment will usually last for 15 to 45 minutes, which is less time than with conventional radiation. The actual time it takes to deliver the protons to the tumor, however, will only be from one to two minutes. Proton therapy differs from conventional radiation treatments in a very specific way. With proton therapy, the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor. Rather than continuing beyond the targeted tissue and entering adjoining tissues or organs, it stops at a specific point.

Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer

With breast cancer treatment, on average, the proton radiation doesn’t penetrate the heart. When compared with conventional radiation, there is an average of 50% less radiation that will enter the lungs. The surrounding tissues are also not affected to the same degree that they would with conventional radiation treatments.

Proton Therapy for Brain Cancer

Proton cancer has been used to treat brain tumors as well as spinal cord tumors. On an annual basis, there are roughly 23,800 adults and 4,830 children that have been diagnosed with cancerous tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Brain tumors, however, are more prevalent than spinal cord tumors. Approximately 15% of all primary brain tumors have proven to be glioblastomas.

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Given that some treatment options for prostate cancer cause impotence, studies show that the risk of this occurring with proton therapy is significantly reduced. Given this form of therapy, 94% of the men that participated in the study reported that they were able to remain sexually active after receiving their treatments. Furthermore, there is decreased radiation that affects the gastrointestinal structures. When compared with X-rays, there is a minimum of 59% less exposure.

Contact a Proton Therapy Cancer Treatment Center for More Informationr

Proton therapy has been effective with treating a variety of cancers. Since there are now more options available for cancer patients than there were in previous decades, it makes sense to learn as much as possible about advanced treatment options. In order to find out more information, individuals can discuss this with their oncologist and/or contact a proton therapy cancer treatment center for additional information.