Proton therapy is a new cancer treatment that is being used instead of more conventional methods like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Especially in certain types of cancer, such as prostrate or breast cancer, it shows good results. It?s also suitable for treatment for children, since there are few to no side effects. New cancer treatment centers that use this new technique are being opened in the U.S. and around the world.

What is proton cancer treatment?
Proton radiation therapy uses a pinpoint beam to target the affected area, without causing damage to surrounding tissue and organs. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, the radiation does not travel beyond the affected area to surrounding tissues. For example, in proton therapy for breast cancer, the heart receives no radiation at all and the lungs receive half the exposure they would have had with conventional radiation treatment.
This means that recovery is much easier and quicker, as there are few to no side effects. Proton treatment is suitable for certain types of cancers that are located around or in sensitive areas and organs. Among advanced cancer treatment options, it is used for breast cancer, prostrate cancer and brain tumors. It is also suitable for the treatment of childhood cancers, due to the lack of painful side effects.

What is the success rate for proton therapy?
Proton radiation therapy shows a high success rate in terms of non-recurrence. Researchers who studied prostrate cancer patients who received proton therapy found that among those considered high risk, 74% remained cancer free five years after receiving treatment. Among low and intermediate risk patients, 99% and 94% respectively remained cancer free in the same time period.
Combined with the lack of side effects and quick recovery, the success rate of proton therapy have made it a popular choice. New cancer treatment centers that utilize this therapy are being opened in the U.S. and around the world. About thirty new cancer treatment centers are currently under construction, many of these in the U.S.

Proton radiation therapy treatment for cancer has many advantages over more conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It has few to no side effects, a quicker and easier recovery and a good success rate. It is suitable for certain types of cancers located in or near sensitive organs. Due to these advantages, new cancer treatment centers that use proton therapy are being constructed around the world.