Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal cell growth in the prostate. Proton radiation is a local treatment for prostate cancer. The treatment is intended to treat cancers that are located in only one place in a person's body. The side effects of proton radiation are minimal compared to other forms of cancer treatment.
How It Works
Proton therapy works by using a machine called a cyclotron or a synchrotron to beam proton energy to the cancerous area. The photons are steered through the body by magnets to irradiate the tumor in the prostate. The positive energy from the protons is released when it comes in contact with the tumor. Because of this the surrounding healthy tissues are not affected and there are minimal to no side effects. This allows the physician to deliver higher dosages of protons to the tumor.
Proton therapy is an outpatient procedure that ranges from an average of five to seven weeks. The number of treatments will depend of the patient's individual condition and stage of prostate cancer. The actual proton therapy process is a short treatment, taking only one minute. The combined prep time before and after treatments is 15 to 20 minutes. The patient is fitted for a personalized immobilization device that he will use during treatment. The physician will take x-rays to determine the proper alignment of the patient's tumor before starting the actual treatment. This process is performed before each treatment.
Side Effects
This is a painless procedure and the patient should not feel any discomfort. If the patient is getting chemotherapy at the same time as proton therapy the side effects may be more intense. If a patient experiences side effects they are usually temporary and mild. More severe side effects may occur when treating a large area.
Side effects from proton therapy may occur early or later. Early side effect may occur directly after surgery and are gone within a few weeks. These side effects include hair loss, soreness and swelling in the treated area. Others may include difficulties eating, digesting, urinating and swallowing. An immediate headache after proton therapy is also common.
Late side effects are more permanent but occur very rarely. These side effects will occur months or years after proton therapy has ended. These side effects may affect your brain, spinal cord, lungs, joints, kidney, colon or rectum. They may cause infertility, lymphedema or secondary cancer. It is important to consult with your doctor if you experience early or late side effects.
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