What are the Benefits of Proton Therapy?
- Proton therapy is an innovative new type of radiation that may be used to treat esophageal cancer.
- The benefit of proton therapy is that there is little “exit dose,” which refers to the amount of radiation that hits surrounding tissue outside of its intended target.
- Proton therapy is particularly effective in treating children with cancer.
- In esophageal cancer patients, who tend to be older, the benefit to proton therapy is that it’s less likely surrounding organs like the lungs will be hit.
“Proton therapy, because it uses the charged particular to deliver the radiation, has the ability to deliver treatment at a certain distance into the tissue and after that it stops, so there’s no exit dose,” Dr. Karyn Goodman, vice chair for research and quality in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine, tells SurvivorNet.
Read More Dr. Goodman explains that proton therapy has been really important when it comes to treating cancer in children, because any exit dose could be dangerous for patients who are still growing. When it comes to esophageal cancer, most patients are older, so the risk is less with exit dose but using proton therapy can reduce the potential for complications later on. “We don’t know how much [exit dose] could impact additional late toxicities or issues with complications after surgery if patients are going to surgery so there may be a benefit to eliminating” any exit dose that may reach the lung, Dr. Goodman explains. When making your treatment plan for esophageal cancer, it’s important to speak to your doctor about the different types of treatment and combinations that are likely to work the best in your situation.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Is proton therapy the best option for my cancer?
- What are the risks vs. benefits of using proton therapy?
- Should I consider a different type of radiation?
- Will the type of radiation affect my ability to get surgery or chemotherapy later on?
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