When you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, understanding your treatment options can help you make confident decisions and take some of the fear out of the unknown. Among radiation treatment options, the two main approaches are traditional radiation therapy and proton therapy. Both use radiation to destroy cancer cells, but they deliver radiation in very different ways. We’ll break down how these treatments work, when each is most effective, and what you should consider when deciding between them.

How Radiation Therapy Works

Before diving into each treatment type, let’s define some terms that you’ll see:

• Traditional radiation therapy (also called photon therapy or X-ray therapy) uses X-rays (photons) to target cancer cells.
• Photons are particles of light that scatter energy along their entire path.
• Proton therapy (also called proton beam therapy) uses protons instead of photons.
• Protons are heavier, charged particles controlled with electromagnetic fields.
• Both approaches fall under the broader category of “radiation therapy.”

The Science Behind the Differences

Radiation therapy began in the early 1900s, shortly after the discovery of X-rays in 1895. For more than a century, oncologists have relied on high-energy photons to destroy cancer cells. The upside? Oncologists have the ability to attack tumors without invasive surgery. The downside? Photons keep depositing energy as they travel through the body: entering tissue, hitting the tumor, then continuing on through the body and exiting the other side. That means healthy tissue gets hit with radiation, too — not just the tumor.

Proton therapy, which began clinical use in the 1950s and expanded in the 1990s, changes this equation. Modern proton therapy facilities use advanced imaging and treatment planning systems that map tumors in 3D, letting doctors sculpt the proton beam’s path with precision while protecting healthy tissue. Think of it this way: traditional radiation is like a bullet that keeps going after it hits its target. Proton therapy is more like an arrow that stops right where it strikes.

Is Proton Therapy Better Than Radiation?

Choosing between radiation vs proton therapy depends on the type of cancer, the location of the tumor, what stage it’s in, and your individual health factors.

• Traditional radiation is still widely used for many cancers, particularly when tumors aren’t close to critical organs or when the broader radiation field might help eliminate microscopic cancer cells in surrounding tissue. Plus, it’s more accessible for patients and usually less expensive than proton therapy.
• Proton therapy may offer advantages for certain tumors where precision is critical, especially for tumors near sensitive areas or critical organs. Brain tumors, spinal cord cancers, ocular melanomas (eye cancers), and pediatric cancers often respond well to proton therapy’s pinpoint accuracy.

Comparing Side Effects

We know a lot about traditional radiation’s side effects: fatigue, skin irritation when you’re treated, and potential changes to nearby organs. What you experience depends on where you’re being treated. Chest radiation might affect your heart or lungs, while abdominal radiation could impact your digestive system. Both adult and pediatric patients can develop secondary cancers and organ problems years after treatment. But the risks are higher for children because their bodies are still growing and developing.

Because proton therapy targets cancer so precisely, it typically causes fewer and milder side effects. By limiting radiation exposure to healthy tissue, patients often experience less fatigue, reduced skin reactions, and lower risk of damage to critical organs. The result? Patients often report experiencing fewer side effects in studies. 

FAQs

Is proton beam therapy safe?

Patients receiving proton therapy often experience fewer or milder side effects in clinical studies, largely because the approach can reduce radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Although proton therapy has only seen widespread clinical adoption over the past 30–40 years, tens of thousands of patients worldwide have received it safely. For the right candidates, it’s proven to be as safe as — or safer than — traditional radiation.

Both traditional radiation and proton therapy have strong safety records backed by decades of clinical research and positive patient outcomes. Traditional radiation therapy has successfully treated millions of patients for over a century. Doctors have learned to refine their approach to make it as effective and safe as possible. All radiation treatments carry some risks. But safety protocols, advanced imaging, and careful monitoring throughout your treatment help ensure you get the best possible care.

Can I get either treatment where I live?

You can find traditional radiation therapy at treatment centers across the U.S. and around the world, which makes it accessible no matter where you live. While the availability of proton therapy is growing, it’s currently offered at fewer centers due to the infrastructure and technology investment required to operate it effectively. Only a limited number of facilities nationwide provide this treatment option.

How Much Does Proton Therapy vs. Radiation Therapy Cost?

Proton therapy typically costs more than traditional radiation. Insurance coverage varies. While proton therapy is more precise, insurers look at whether that extra precision is medically necessary for your specific situation.

For some cancers, particularly those that aren’t close to critical organs, traditional radiation can work just as well and cost less. For cases where precision really improves results — like childhood cancers or tumors near the brain, spine, or eyes — more insurers are recognizing proton therapy as medically necessary. You might face coverage challenges or higher out-of-pocket costs, though approval rates continue to improve as more evidence shows proton therapy’s value.

Making the Right Choice For You

Which is better — proton therapy or radiation therapy? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s right for one patient may not be best for another. Your decisions should involve open, honest conversations with your oncology team about the benefits and limitations of each approach. Ask questions. Share your concerns. Make sure you understand how each option fits with your values or goals.

The best cancer centers offer personalized treatment plans developed by multidisciplinary teams of specialists, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and other experts. This collaborative approach means you get a comprehensive evaluation and recommendations tailored to your needs. Some patients benefit from combination approaches that use traditional radiation and proton therapy together — traditional radiation for certain treatment areas, and proton therapy where precision is most critical.

Reach Out Today

As proton therapy continues to advance and become more available to patients, it’s playing an increasingly important role in cancer treatment. If you’re exploring your radiation therapy options, Emory Proton Therapy Center offers comprehensive evaluations to determine what’s right for you. Our team can help evaluate whether proton therapy, traditional radiation, or a combination is most appropriate for your diagnosis. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward personalized, advanced cancer care.