how to find protons neutrons and electrons

10 Things to Know About Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is a cancer treatment option that's just as futuristic as it sounds. Learn more about this treatment option with this basic guide. Unless otherwise noted, the information in this guide is sourced from the Mayo Clinic, the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the National Association for Proton Therapy.

Proton Therapy Basics

As a cancer treatment, proton therapy, also known as proton beam therapy, allows for the treatment of multiple different types of tumors. Proton therapy is performed with a specific machine that often weighs more than 100 tons. Hospitals with proton therapy must have space for these machines, which means that this type of cancer treatment is not available everywhere.

CC BY-SA 4.0/llorenzi/Wikimedia Commons

Benefits of Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is preferable to older methods of non-invasive tumor treatment like X-ray therapy because it allows doctors to target tumor cells while doing minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Doctors who specialize in this treatment can calibrate proton beams to release their most powerful energy at a specific point, which means they can zero in on tumors.

CC BY 2.0/NIHClinicalCenter/Flickr

Putting Proton Therapy in Context

Though research indicates some promising possibilities with proton therapy, it isn't yet widely practiced in the USA. Researchers aren't yet certain whether this cancer treatment is more effective than traditional methods.

CC0/cezjaw/Pixabay

Potential Side Effects

Though research does show that proton therapy can be less damaging to surrounding tissues than traditional radiation therapies, it does cause some side effects. These can include hair loss around the treatment site, digestive issues, headaches and pain around the treatment site.

CC BY-SA 4.0/Romina.cialdella/Wikimedia Commons

The Cost of Proton Therapy

Proton therapy costs can be high thanks in part to the fact that this is still a relatively new and rare treatment option. Not all insurance companies will provide coverage for this treatment method. Take care to research costs with your doctor's billing office and your insurance company so you can make an informed financial decision.

CC0/Free-Photos/Pixabay

Pre-Treatment Procedures

Precision is a major part of proton therapy treatments, so your medical team will likely need to gather images of your tumors prior to treatment. This may require you to undergo a number of medical imaging procedures, including CT or MRI scans.

CC0/jarmoluk/Pixabay

What to Expect During Treatment

Patients may need to lay in a specific position during a Proton therapy treatment in order to give doctors clear access to their tumor. Though your medical team will actively monitor you during treatment, they will not be in the room but rather will control the machine and monitor you via computers.

CC BY-SA 3.0/David Monniaux/Wikimedia Commons

Other Treatment Considerations

Though the actual time spent receiving proton beam therapy typically lasts only a few minutes, the treatment sessions themselves are often much longer. You may also be required to wear a special mask in order to keep your body still—movement during treatment can cause problems. According to the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, some children who undergo this therapy receive special painted masks to reduce anxiety and discomfort.

CC BY-SA 4.0/Llorenzi/Wikimedia Commons

Returning to Normal Life After Treatment

Though patients are treated with radioactive materials during a proton beam session, they are not themselves radioactive. Many go about their normal daily lives after a session. Most patients require multiple sessions of proton therapy treatment to see results, which doctors track using medical imaging technology.

Public Domain/National Cancer Institute/Wikimedia Commons

Who Typically Receives This Treatment?

Patients with a variety of different cancers, including brain, breast, prostate, lung, liver and eye cancer, can receive proton therapy treatment. Some people with certain benign tumors may also be recommended for this procedure.

CC BY 2.0/Brad Reeser/Flickr