There has been a lot of research and studies completed on cancer treatment. One of the newest cancer treatment options is that of proton radiation therapy. This form of cancer treatment is one of the most effective advanced cancer treatment options on the market today. If you have not yet heard of it, or you have only heard a little about it, it is likely that you have many questions.
What exactly is proton radiation therapy?
Proton therapy is a type of radiation that stops at a very specific point in the targeted tissue. Conventional radiation continues beyond the tumor. This often causes a lot of negative side effects, especially in areas of the body that are not currently affected by the tumor. In breast cancer, this means that on average, there is no radiation to the heart and on average 50% less radiation to the lungs, as compared with conventional radiation. Because surrounding radiation is one of the biggest risks of conventional radiation, this is a huge improvement in the treatment of both breast cancer cures and prostate cancer cures.
What can proton therapy radiation be used for?
Proton therapy radiation is a newer form of radiation. However, it is rapidly growing, even in the United States. At the beginning of 2015, more than 30 particle therapy centers, with a total of about 80 treatment rooms, were under construction worldwide. However, as more and more patients become interested in proton therapy for prostate cancer treatment and breast cancer treatment, the number of developing rooms will only increase. Additionally, as more physicians offer proton therapy for breast cancer, the therapy will become easier to assess by patients.
How do I know if proton therapy is right for me?
If you are considering proton therapy, you will want to consult with your physician. They know your case better than anyone and they will know if proton therapy for prostate cancer treatment is an option for you. If your physician is not yet familiar with proton radiation therapy, you can request to be referred to someone that is. Your physician will then work with your proton radiation therapy professional on evaluating your case and deciding if proton therapy for prostate cancer treatment is possible.
What side effects are associated with proton therapy?
Most cancer treatment options come with some side effects. However, with proton therapy radiation, you will find that there are not many side effects. In fact, due to proton therapy?s targeted approach, studies have found that prostate cancer treatment patients treated using this method have a significantly reduced risk of impotence, with 94% of men reporting that they remain sexually active after treatment. When it comes to prostate cancer treatment, this is one of the most problematic side effects and with proton therapy radiation, some men can overcome it.
What kind of results can I expect?
It is difficult to state an exact number of results to expect. Just as it is with any other type of cancer treatment, the specifics of the case really matter. This is why it is so important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. They know your case in detail and can provide you valuable insight into the process. They can also give you more accurate of results that you can expect from proton radiation therapy.
The world is constantly putting billions of dollars into cancer research and cancer treatment. One of the most recent advanced to cancer treatment is proton radiation therapy. This type of treatment is lower risk and has so far, produced good results. However, if you are interested in this type of proton therapy, you will have to discuss your treatment options with your physician.