Learning about this treatment is an important step towards feeling empowered in your cancer care.
Proton therapy is also called heavy ion therapy.
One of the most obvious differences is the locality of treatment.
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Proton therapy accurately targets very specific locations, which may result in less damage to surrounding tissues.
Newer types of proton beam therapy such aspencil beam scanningare thought to make this therapy even more tolerable.
Listing out the pros and cons of proton therapy may help with this process.
In this situation, proton beam therapy may be preferable to conventional radiation.
Clinical trials are also in progress comparing proton therapy to conventional radiation in women with early-stage breast cancer.
Proton Beams are Easier to Control
Proton beams are easier to control than conventional radiation.
It currently costs more than 200 million dollars to build a facility.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
One example is stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
With SBRT, higher doses of radiation are delivered to a precise area.
This fatigue tends to be most severe the farther along in treatment you are.
Hair Loss
Hair loss may occurin the region in which proton beam therapy is givenis common.
Unlike the hair loss associated with chemotherapy, hair loss related to proton beam therapymay be permanent.
Preparing for Proton Beam Therapy
There are several important steps before proton beam therapy is started.
Where Is Proton Beam Therapy Available?
A map of proton therapy centers can show you whether this treatment is offered near your location.
This mold will be placed over the part of your body receiving radiation during each treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Proton beam therapy offers yet another option for treating cancer.
It may also be used for tumors that have previously been treated with conventional radiation but recurred.
The precise location of treatment may also allow radiation to be given at a higher dose than conventional radiation.
Discuss this option with your provider to see if it’s right for you.
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