What is proton therapy?

Proton therapy uses a high-energy beam of protons to deliver a precise dose of radiation to the tumour only, which destroys cancer cells, with minimal effect on any other tissue. Research has shown that this is in contrast to conventional treatment of high-dose radiation, which, in addition to attacking the tumour, also damages body tissue. However, proton therapy kills cancer cells without exposing patients to side effects, which may result from traditional radiation treatment. 

A proton is a positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom.

Is Proton Therapy something new? 

Definitely not, in spite of the fact that more studies are constantly underway, proton therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients as far back as 1988. However, medical insurance companies in the US only began covering the costs of the procedure in the year 2000.

To date, studies have revealed that more than 90,000 people worldwide have received proton therapy treatment at centres in various countries. At present, treatment is available in Europe, Japan, China, Korea, and the United States, where there are treatment centres in most of the major cities. Although there are currently no facilities available in the U.K. or Africa for proton therapy treatment, it has been announced that treatment will be on offer in the U.K. in approximately 5 to 10 years from now.

A presentation was recently made to the Health Minister proposing that the government invest in the building of a dedicated proton therapy facility.  After a private tour of the laboratory facilities, the Minister agreed that future planning is needed for proton treatment of various ailments, including many cancers.

How does proton therapy differ from conventional X-ray radiation treatment?

Proton beam therapy offers a choice for patients, and though it is as effective as other treatments, there is a much-reduced risk of side effects. If a tumour needs to be treated, conventional X-rays and proton beam therapy do not dispense radiation in the same way. This is because of the physical differences in their properties.

X-rays consist of certain electromagnetic waves, which penetrate the surrounding body tissue as well as the tumour. This unnecessary radiation may result in side effects such as burnt skin, damage to adjacent organs, etc. Protons go straight to the targeted site of the area or tumour, where a strong proton dose is then given, which kills the cancer cells.
Experts have agreed that prostate cancer would benefit immensely from proton beam treatment, where there would be no side effects or irradiation of surrounding tissue or organs. Sexuality and fertility will also not be negatively affected.

Proton beam therapy treatment for prostate cancer

A survey conducted in the US in 2018, approximately 97% of patients who received proton therapy, some as long as 10 years ago, have not had a recurrence of prostate cancer, or experienced any problems with surrounding organs such as the bladder, rectum or colon. For prostate cancer patients, proton beam treatment has proven benefits and is an excellent option to conventional X-ray radiation, invasive surgery or other treatments. Unfortunately, not all specialists and physicians who treat men with prostate cancer advise them that alternative treatments are available. 

In the UK, for example, it was not available on the national health scheme, but for patients who could afford it, the NHI would assist with transport to a clinic in Europe, where the patient would pay for the treatment. 

Reasons to opt for proton beam treatment for prostate cancer:

•    Quicker recovery and fewer side effects.
•    Painless treatments, leaving you free to live your life with little disruption.
•    Of 3632 patients who responded, 98% believed they had made the correct treatment decision, and 96% have recommended it to others.

The power of proton therapy

•    The power of proton beam therapy lies mainly in its precision abilities, with an extremely low risk of damaging side effects. 
•    The treatment can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Recurrent tumours can be treated in patients who have already received radiation, as conventional radiation cannot be used in an area which has already been irradiated.

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