Proton Therapy

Also known as: proton beam therapy.

What is proton therapy?

Proton therapy is a form of radiation therapy for cancer that offers highly targeted treatment with fewer risks of side effects. It’s a potential treatment for many different forms of cancer.

What happens during the procedure?

Proton therapy requires the patient to lie on a table while a machine delivers proton beams to the area of the body with cancer. Patients may require treatment five days per week for a period of three or more weeks depending on the nature and severity of their cancer.

Is any special preparation needed?

Patients may require several tests prior to receiving proton therapy. Computer tomography (CT) is used to simulate the specific area of treatment and find a comfortable position for treatment.

What are the side effects?

Proton therapy has fewer risk factors and side effects than conventional radiation therapy. Fatigue, digestive problems, headaches, hair loss, skin redness and soreness are potential side effects of treatment.

Reviewed by: Matthew David Hall, MD

This page was last updated on: April 06, 2021 10:12 AM

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