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Proton therapy is a kind of radiation used to treat cancer. Like other types of radiation, proton therapy kills cancer cells and stops them from growing.
InformationUnlike other types of radiation therapy that use x-rays to destroy cancer cells, proton therapy uses a beam of special particles called protons. Doctors can better aim proton beams onto a tumor, so there is less damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. This allows doctors to use a higher dose of radiation with proton therapy than they can use with x-rays.
Proton therapy is used to treat cancers that have not spread. Doctors may use proton therapy to treat the following types of cancer:
- Brain (acoustic neuroma, childhood brain tumors)
- Eye (ocular melanoma, retinoblastoma)
- Head and neck
- Lung
- Spine (chordoma, chondrosarcoma)
- Prostate
Researchers are also studying whether proton therapy might be used to treat other noncancerous conditions, including macular degeneration.
HOW IT WORKS
Your health care provider will fit you with a special device that holds your body still during treatment. The actual device used depends on the location of your cancer. For example, patients with head cancers may be fitted for a special mask.
Next, you will have a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to map out the exact area to be treated. During the scan, you will wear the device that helps you stay still. The radiation oncologist will use a computer to trace the tumor and outline the angles at which the proton beams will enter your body.
Proton therapy is performed on an outpatient basis. The treatment takes a few minutes a day over a period of 6 to 7 weeks, depending on the type of cancer. Before the treatment begins, you will get into the device that will hold you still. The radiation therapist will take a few x-rays to fine-tune the treatment.
You will be placed inside a donut-shaped device called a gantry. It will rotate around you and point the protons in the direction of the tumor. A machine called a synchrotron or cyclotron creates and speeds up the protons. Then the protons are removed from the machine and magnets direct them to the tumor.
The technician will leave the room while you are having proton therapy. The treatment should only take 1 to 2 minutes. You shouldn't feel any discomfort. After the treatment is over, the technician will return to the room and help you remove the device that held you still.
SIDE EFFECTS
Proton therapy may have side effects, but these tend to be milder than with x-ray radiation because proton therapy causes less damage to healthy tissues. Side effects depend upon the area being treated, but may include skin redness in the radiation area, and temporary hair loss.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Following proton therapy, you should be able to resume your normal activities. You will likely see your doctor every 3 to 4 months for a follow-up exam.
ReferencesBrada M. Proton therapy in clinical practice: current clinical evidence. J Clin Oncol. 2007;25:965-970.
Lee AK, Frank SJ. Update on radiation therapy in prostate cancer. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2006;20:857-878.
Halperin EC. Proton therapy and treatment of cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2006;7:676-685.
What else can I help you with?
What are the advantages of using bragg peak proton therapy compared to other forms of radiation therapy for cancer treatment?
Bragg peak proton therapy offers advantages over other forms of radiation therapy for cancer treatment due to its ability to precisely target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This results in fewer side effects and a higher chance of successful treatment outcomes.
What is the mass of a proton and does a proton have mass?
Yes, a proton has mass. The mass of a proton is approximately 1.67 x 10-27 kilograms.
Does a proton have mass?
Yes, a proton has mass.
A proton is moving toward a second stationary proton. what happens as the proton get closer?
As the moving proton gets closer to the stationary proton, the electric force between them increases. This causes the moving proton to slow down and eventually come to a stop as the electrostatic force of repulsion between them balances the initial kinetic energy of the moving proton.
What is the antimatter equivalent of a proton?
The antimatter equivalent of a proton is an antiproton. It has the same mass as a proton but opposite charge.
When was Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute created?
Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute was created in 2010.
Which atoms are used in proton therapy?
Proton therapy uses protons, which are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Hydrogen atoms, which consist of a single proton in their nucleus, are commonly used as the source of protons in proton therapy.
How long has Proton therapy been used?
Proton therapy has been used in cancer treatment since the 1950s, with the first patient being treated in Berkeley, California in 1954. Since then, technological advancements have led to more widespread adoption of proton therapy for various types of cancer.
Where is the National Association for Proton Therapy?
Bethesda, MD
Does Radiation therapy use proton rays?
Yes
Why would one need a proton therapy?
Proton therapy is generally used as a radiation treatment for cancer patients. This differs from traditional radiation therapy in that the ray of the protons can be directed more easily and causes less damage to surrounding tissues.
What are some of the experimental treatments currently being tested for the treatment of brain tumors?
Some experimental treastments are: Immuno-vaccines are still very new to the brain tumor arena, and Proton therapy (also called proton beam therapy).
What type of cancer can be treated with proton therapy?
Proton therapy is useful for treating cancer that has not spread and is near important parts of the body. It is also used for treating children because it lessens the prospect of harming healthy, growing tissue.Types of Cancer can be treated with Proton Therapy are:Central nervous system cancersEye cancerHead and neck cancersLung cancerLiver cancerProstate cancerSpinal and pelvic sarcomasNoncancerous brain tumors
What are the advantages of using bragg peak proton therapy compared to other forms of radiation therapy for cancer treatment?
Bragg peak proton therapy offers advantages over other forms of radiation therapy for cancer treatment due to its ability to precisely target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This results in fewer side effects and a higher chance of successful treatment outcomes.
Radiation therapy is also known as?
Radiation therapy, sometimes called radiotherapy, x-ray therapy radiation treatment, cobalt therapy, electron beam therapy, or irradiation uses high energy, penetrating waves or particles such as x rays, gamma rays, proton rays, or neutron rays to destroy cancer cells or keep them from reproducing
What are the applications of protons?
Applications of protons include Proton Beam Therapy, which is a type of nuclear medicine that uses radiation to remove tumorous cells from the body.
What does cobalt therapy use?
It uses high energy, penetrating waves or particles such as x rays, gamma rays, proton rays, or neutron rays
