Benefits

Proton therapy’s unique properties offer several benefits for patients with cancer.

Proton therapy is precise. Unlike traditional (photon) radiation, protons travel directly to the site of the tumor and stop. They deliver radiation to the tumor but do not continue through the body. As a result, healthy tissues near the tumor do not receive doses of radiation that they don’t need. This benefit is particularly important for tumors located in or near vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.

Proton therapy is powerful. Because it can target tumors so precisely, proton therapy lets physicians treat tumors with higher doses of radiation than other therapeutic methods. For certain tumors, such as sarcomas and some brain tumors, higher doses of radiation can improve patient outcomes.

Proton therapy is noninvasive. Delivered as a course of daily outpatient treatments, proton therapy allows patients to carry on with their lives during treatment. Patients generally tolerate the treatment well and suffer fewer side effects.

Proton therapy is customized. Proton therapy takes advantage of cutting-edge delivery techniques, including pencil-beam scanning and intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), to deliver the right dose exactly where it is needed. IMPT “paints” radiation on layer by layer, hugging the tumor’s shape and minimizing the radiation dose neighboring healthy tissues receive.

Proton therapy gives you options. Proton therapy is safe to deliver before or after surgery, and it can also be combined with chemotherapy. You and your doctor can design the best treatment plan for fighting your unique tumor, and proton therapy can fit in.

Ready to find out if proton therapy is right for you? Call 410-369-5200 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation with our expert team.

To learn more about the benefits of proton therapy, watch this short video below: