Proton Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Proton therapy is one of the most effective and precise types of radiation treatment, since it has the ability to just radiate the cancer site. This is especially useful in prostate cancer, which is confined to a small area in its early stages. A proton treatment can do the most damage to the tumor while not harming surrounding tissue.

Definition

• Protons are a form of radiation; however, they can be controlled and managed. This allows smaller areas to be more accurately treated.

Success

• Studies at Loma Linda University Medical Center, one of the centers that treat prostate cancer with proton therapy, has shown an 89 percent survival rate. These patients have remained disease-free over a 10-year period (see Resources).

Side Effects

• There is no pain during treatment. Since proton treatment is given just to the cancerous site, there are fewer side effects than with standard X-ray radiation.

Availability

• Though there aren't many proton treatment centers currently in the United States, there are a number being built as the treatment becomes more popular. Medicare, as well as most insurance carriers, covers the cost of proton treatment for prostate cancer.

Considerations

• Proton therapy is an excellent choice for prostate cancer treatment since it is non-invasive. It can also be combined with chemotherapy and other treatments.