Understanding Your Treatment Options
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming enough, but making the right treatment choice for you can be equally daunting. At Emory Proton Therapy Center, we specialize in the most advanced form of proton beam therapy, called pencil beam scanning, instead of conventional radiation. Both treatment types use radiation to kill cancer cells, but they work in fundamentally different ways. This article discusses the benefits of proton therapy and why it may be a top choice for treating certain cancers.
Precision Targeting and Reduced Damage to Healthy Tissue
Standard radiation uses X-rays called photons that deposit energy as they enter your body and pass through the tumor. While this approach can be useful, it results in healthy tissue being exposed to radiation. Proton beam therapy uses protons instead of photons, heavier charged particles that doctors can control with magnets.
One of the main advantages of proton therapy is that protons stop right at the tumor and then release most of their energy. This precision makes proton beam therapy ideal for tumors near a patient’s vital organs, like the brain, spine, eyes, or heart. Physicians often choose proton beam therapy for children because their bodies are still developing. Traditional radiation can affect growth and lead to long-term side effects, but the precision of proton therapy helps protect healthy tissue reducing the risk of future complications.
Fewer Side Effects and Better Quality of Life
The precision of proton therapy means that healthy tissue receives very little radiation, which may result in fewer side effects. Our patients tell us that they feel less tired, their skin doesn’t get as irritated, and their organs function better during treatment.
The advantages of proton beam therapy last after treatment ends. Less radiation to healthy tissue may mean fewer problems later on, including a lower chance of developing new cancers years later. Many patients who go through proton beam therapy find that they can continue with their normal activities. They can work, take care of their families, and enjoy their hobbies. All of which can mean a better quality of life.
Ideal Candidates and Treatment Considerations
Patients often ask us whether proton beam therapy is safe. The answer is yes. For the right patients, the benefits of proton beam therapy outweigh the treatment considerations. Some cancer types that respond well to proton therapy include:
- Brain tumors
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Cancers in children
- Head and neck cancers
- Lung cancers near the heart
Things to Know Before Starting Treatment
Proton therapy sessions usually take about the same time as standard radiation, and our team will guide you through every step. Since proton centers are less common than traditional radiation facilities, some patients may need to travel, but many find the benefits worth it.
Insurance coverage can vary depending on your provider and diagnosis. Our experienced insurance specialists work closely with you and your provider to clarify benefits, answer questions, and guide you through appeals if needed. For those without coverage, we can also help explore financial assistance or self-pay options.
Taking the Next Step in Your Cancer Treatment Journey
Ready to explore your options? Contact us to discuss whether proton therapy makes sense for you. As Georgia’s only proton therapy center and an integral part of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, we combine cutting-edge technology with comprehensive cancer expertise.
We’re committed to making this advanced treatment accessible to patients. Our team is here to provide clear guidance and the latest information, so your choices feel less overwhelming. Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence.