Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Non-invasive, Minimal Side Effects, Excellent Cure Rates
Proton
therapy (or proton treatment) for prostate cancer has many advantages over conventional therapy. Unlike other types of radiation therapy that use x-rays to destroy cancer cells, proton therapy uses a beam of proton particles. By using protons, doctors can direct the radiation to the tumor with pinpoint accuracy. This means less damage to surrounding healthy organs and tissue, and the ability to deliver a higher dose of radiation to the tumor.
Click here to learn more benefits of proton therapy for prostate cancer treatment.
Sit back and watch BOB founder, Bob Marckini, talk about proton therapy at the 2013 National Association for Proton Therapy conference. Topics include: Bob's diagnosis, why he knew he had to avoid surgery, how he is doing 13 years after his proton treatment, a summary of member surveys on cure rates and quality of life after treatment, and more.
Proton Therapy Surveys & Studies
Breakthrough Proton Therapy Survey: New Prostate Cancer Report Commissioned by NAPT Released at National Proton Therapy Conference in Washington, D.C. on February 13, 2013 – Ninety nine percent of proton therapy patients believe they made the best prostate cancer treatment decision for themselves. Approximately 96% were satisfied or extremely satisfied with proton therapy; 92% reported that their quality of life was better or the same today than it was before proton therapy; 92% reported that physical health or emotional problems did not interfere, or interfered very little with their social activities; when looking at patients who received only proton therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer (did not receive hormone or photon therapy), proton therapy patients reported lower HRQOL measures than non-treated individuals in only one HRQOL category.
Click here to view the NAPT press release.
Click here to view the executive summary.
Click here to view the complete report.
Click here to view BOB founder, Bob Marckini's talk at the NAPT conference.
The survey report was analyzed by health and economics consulting firm, Dobson DaVanzo. Click here to view Joan DaVanzo’s presentation on the BOB survey results at the NAPT conference.
Another recent survey analysis has found that proton therapy preserves quality of life after treatment, specifically urinary and bowel functions. Read the Loma Linda University Medical Center proton therapy press release or the MD Anderson proton therapy press release.
Click here to view the results of BOB's 2009 survey of proton therapy patients.
Talk With Proton Therapy Patients
Before you choose your prostate cancer treatment option, it is important to speak with former patients (we recommend at least ten) representing any treatment modality you are considering. You will hear the real story from former patients.
If you would like to speak directly with former proton therapy patients about their treatment experience, side effects and results, just send an e-mail to dhickey@protonbob.com. We will send you names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. NO TOPIC IS OFF LIMITS.
We also invite spouses, significant others and family members to contact us with questions about your loved ones. Or, if you would to speak with spouses of former proton patients for information and support, send an e-mail to dhickey@protonbob.com.
Proton Therapy Testimonials
Learn what former proton therapy patients are saying about their prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment decision, treatment experience and life after treatment. Some of these men chose proton therapy for salvage prostate cancer treatment when cancer returned following radical prostatectomy.
Click here to read more than 130 former proton therapy patient testimonials. NOTE: Most include contact info at the end of each story should you have any follow-up questions.
"If you are reading this and trying to decide if proton therapy is for you, consider what type of quality of life you want for the rest of your life. No one knows what's next—we sure didn't. You owe it to yourself and to those who love you to safeguard your quality of life. Surgery will not do that … proton therapy will. —Jeannie Chase (wife of proton patient)
Proton Treatment Centers
10 in the U.S., 21 More Under Construction or in the Planning Stages
Proton therapy has been practiced at the first hospital-based proton treatment center in the nation, Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) in Loma Linda, California for more than 20 years.
Click here to view a list of operating proton centers in the U.S.
The 10 Myths About Proton Therapy
There is some extraordinary misinformation about proton therapy in the media and even many doctors are uninformed or misinformed about proton therapy. In an effort to help newly diagnosed men and shed light on this misinformation, we recently began running a series of articles about the ten most common misrepresentations, or myths, about proton therapy for prostate cancer. Each month we examine one of these myths and set the record straight based on facts, published data, and our own patient surveys.
Click here to view the 10 myths about proton therapy (Check back regularly as we continue to examine each myth.).
Who is the Brotherhood of the Balloon?
The Brotherhood of the Balloon (BOB) is an organization consisting of more than 6,000 men who have chosen
proton therapy for their prostate cancer treatment. We provide communication, education and support; we
promote proton therapy for prostate cancer; and we give back to the institution that both saved our lives
and preserved the quality of our lives.
Click here to learn more about the BOB.
If you have signed on to receive proton therapy or are currently a proton therapy patient, click here to join our group.
