Proton therapy is a modern form of cancer treatment. Approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001, it uses a powerful, highly focused form of radiation that is potentially far more useful than conventional X-ray radiation. While the upside of proton therapy is quite promising, as of 2009 there is insufficient testing data to confirm its treatment superiority.
Understanding Proton Therapy
Proton therapy relies on sophisticated advances in medical technology. The process begins with a complex device called a cyclotron, which is used to accelerate subatomic proton particles to roughly two-thirds the speed of light. These accelerated protons are then routed through a series of electromagnets that focus them into a tight beam. This beam is then guided by another massive magnet through a customizable nozzle that directs the protons toward the patient.
Treatment Preparations
You are a potential candidate for proton therapy if you have a form of cancer that produces clear, definable tumors. If you are selected for treatment, your oncologist (cancer specialist) will work with proton therapy technicians to develop an accurate picture of the size, shape and location of your tumor. This information will be used to create a customized software program used to guide the proton beam during treatment. Technicians will create a customized template that follows the outline of your tumor and attach it to the end of the proton nozzle.
Treatment
Once treatment begins, you will be placed on a bed inside of a large treatment chamber. This chamber is entirely surrounded by a large metal structure called a gantry, which sits in a track and is capable of rotating a full 360 degrees. The nozzle that directs the proton beam toward you rests inside this gantry, and can be directed at any area of your body. Using the information gathered before treatment, technicians will aim the proton beam at your tumor. Unlike focused X-rays, protons can be directed to a precise depth as well as a precise angle. This ability to control depth allows technicians to avoid damage to the healthy tissue surrounding your tumor. In theory, this precision provides highly accurate tumor treatment combined with a quicker post-surgery recovery time.
Potential Concerns
There is no current evidence that proton therapy is harmful to patients. Still, you should be aware of certain ongoing concerns about the treatment. In the Sept. 8, 2009 edition of the National Cancer Institute Bulletin, Dr. Norman Coleman, associate director of the NCI's Radiation Research Program says there is no clear evidence that proton therapy is superior in practice to conventional X-ray treatments. Among other factors, he cites a lack of properly randomized testing to support treatment claims of improved quality of life or increased patient lifespan. You should also be aware that proton therapy treatment options are both scarce and expensive. This combined high cost and lack of facilities means that less than 1 percent of Americans have access to treatment.
Talk to your doctor or oncologist if you are interested in learning more about proton therapy and the availability of treatment in your area.
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