Frequently Asked Questions about Proton Therapy
Following are the most frequently asked questions by men who are researching their prostate cancer treatment options. We have done our best to answer these questions based on the patient's perspective and our own personal experience. If you have a question that you do not see covered here, please contact us.
What is proton therapy?
Proton beam therapy is an advanced, highly precise form of radiation treatment that targets cancer with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. Unlike conventional radiation, which uses photon beams that can damage both cancerous and healthy tissue, proton therapy uses charged particles with greater mass. These protons can be precisely controlled to release their energy directly at the tumor, maximizing the treatment dose while sparing nearby organs. This precision leads to fewer side effects, faster recovery, and less overall damage to the body. Though generally well-tolerated, some side effects like nausea or diarrhea may occur.
What side effects are associated with proton therapy?
Recent studies indicate that proton therapy for cancer treatment leads to fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation methods. Most patients even return to their normal activities, including work, on the same day.
While proton therapy is generally painless, individuals may have different reactions to treatment. Potential side effects can include:
- Fatigue
- Skin issues at the treatment site, such as redness, irritation, swelling, dryness, blistering, or peeling
Studies have shown that proton treatment cure rates, both clinical and biochemical, to be comparable with other major treatment options.
Even Johns Hopkins—“the prostate cancer surgery capital of the world”—has written:
“…recent studies demonstrate that newer types of radiation are as effective as surgery, which was once thought to be the surest way to a cure. And as radiation techniques grow ever more precise, side effects may be more limited and treatment and recovery made easier.”
Click here for a list of U.S. proton centers.
Proton therapy is also practiced in Europe and Asia.
Robert Wilson first proposed the use of proton radiation for medical purposes in 1946. In 1954 proton treatment was introduced at the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory. Harvard University and the Massachusetts General Hospital began using protons for cancer treatment in 1961 at the Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory. In 1990, Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC) opened their new, state-of-the-art, Conformal Proton Beam Treatment Center and began treating patients in a hospital setting.
More than 220,000 individuals worldwide have undergone proton therapy, with nearly 75,000 of those treatments taking place in the United States.
Essentially all localized (non-metastatic) prostate cancers are treatable by proton therapy. Patients with extremely high PSAs and Gleason scores up to 10 have been successfully treated with protons.
Most urologists will not perform surgery on a patient who has received any form of radiation for prostate cancer, but there are specialists who do perform a salvage radical prostatectomy. However, removal of the prostate by surgery following failed radiation treatment may be inappropriate, as the reason for the failure is most likely because the cancer had previously traveled outside the prostate bed. There are salvage options available to patients where radiation treatment has failed. Depending on the cancer location, patient age, and progression rate, these options may include cryosurgery, brachytherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy, among others.
Medicare and some private insurance companies reimburse for proton treatment. If you have received an insurance denial or have questions about obtaining coverage for your proton therapy, send an email to [email protected].
Yes. One of the best ways to learn the truth about any treatment option is to speak with former patients. In fact, we recommend you speak with AT LEAST 10 former patients representing each treatment option you are considering. You will learn much more about any option by talking with someone who has been through it, than from any other source.
If you'd like to contact former proton patients by email or phone, send an email to D[email protected] and we will email you a list.
Do you have a specific question(s) about proton therapy or the BOB? Just ask.