Prostate Cancer Proton Radiation Treatment

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-caused deaths among men, but prostate cancer ranks closely behind it. Approximately one out of every six men will be affected, and one out of every 35 will die from the disease. However, the number of prostate cancer deaths is decreasing as the disease is discovered earlier and more effective ways to treat the disease are perfected.

The Prostate

• The prostate is a small gland located between the bladder that holds about a third of a man's semen. Its muscle system assists in the ejaculation of sperm and its alkaline fluid neutralizes the acidic environment of the female vagina in order to extend the amount of time that sperm cells have to reach an egg cell.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Proton Therapy

• Because many radiation treatments kill healthy cells as well as sick ones, a doctor may reduce the strength or number of treatments. This in turn makes the process inefficient. Proton therapy uses protons instead of x-rays to target cancerous cells, leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed. While proton therapy is useful in treating small to moderate sized prostates, those with larger glands have found it less effective. Those men may have to use hormones to shrink their prostate before treatment occurs, a process that could be slow and allow cancerous cells to gain ground.

Proton Therapy

• Before proton therapy begins, a mold is made to support the body and place it into the correct position for treatment. A CT scan is done with the mold in place so the therapist can develop of a 3D rendering of the area and verified with fluoroscopy. The skin is marked to outline the area to be treated. A proton beam is focused within the outlines of the markings. The process takes less than 20 minutes. Additional treatments may be repeated as much as five times a week for between seven to nine weeks.

After Treatment Follow-up

• Although there are fewer side effects from proton therapy, some can occure. The skin around the treatment area may turn red or burn. Fatigue may occur as treatments accumulate. Some will experience partial or temporary hair loss. Nausea may occur but can be controlled by mild medication or diet adjustment. In rare instances, diarrhea or other rectal or urinary problems, such as incontinence, may occur.

  PSA levels will be monitored carefully since it will take between 18 to 20 months to reach their lowest point. Therefore, blood tests and digital rectal exams will be done regularly to properly monitor the results.