Proton Therapy

Proton therapy, also known as proton therapy, is a type of external radiation treatment for cancer. This technique directs high-energy, accelerated proton beams toward the tumor. Due to its high precision, this energy is delivered directly to the cancer cells and does not pass through them, meaning that the amount of radiation received by surrounding healthy tissues is reduced, and the chances of developing secondary or metastatic tumors are also decreased.

The toxicity of proton therapy is lower than conventional radiation because it is more precise. Additionally, it causes fewer side effects in patients.

Proton therapy is recommended for cancers near vital organs or in tumors that are difficult to reach.

How does it work?

Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which uses photons or electrons, proton therapy harnesses the antitumor effects of accelerated protons. This is because they maintain their trajectory once they pass through the body's internal tissues, so the malignant cells they target receive greater energy. Technological advances allow the personalized adjustment of the proton dose needed for each patient and tumor.

The electrons in the cancer cells are damaged by the proton energy, causing alterations in their DNA and, as a result, halting their division. Tumor cells, when destroyed, are replaced by healthy cells.

What are the benefits of proton therapy?

Proton therapy has unique characteristics that offer multiple benefits for patients:

• Higher precision, with almost no radiation affecting healthy tissues.
• Lower radiation dose per treatment.
• Reduced metastasis.
• Improved quality of life.
• Virtually no side effects.

When is it indicated?

Proton therapy is recommended in the following cases:

• Pediatric tumors.
• Brain tumors or tumors at the base of the skull.
• Ocular tumors.
• Spinal tumors.
• Central nervous system tumors.
• Lymphomas.
• Lung tumors.
• Breast tumors.
• Prostate tumors.
• Liver tumors.
• Pancreatic tumors.
• Re-irradiation in specific cases.
• Patients with genetic syndromes that cause increased sensitivity to radiation.

What to expect from proton therapy

Cancer treatment with protons is performed on an outpatient basis, so the patient can resume their regular activities once the procedure is completed. Depending on the tumor type and the patient's characteristics, between 1 and 30 sessions will be required, spread over several days a week. Each session lasts about 45 minutes, most of which is spent on preparation, as the radiation time is usually no longer than one minute.

After signing the informed consent form, the patient is provided with a gown by the medical center and positioned on the treatment table in a way that facilitates the application of proton therapy. Once the session begins, the patient must remain as still as possible. The machine that emits the proton beams makes noise while it operates.

The patient is alone during the treatment but is constantly monitored from the control room.

After several sessions, it is possible to notice fatigue or redness on the skin in the area where the treatment was applied.

Specialties where it is used

Proton therapy is a technology applied by specialists in nuclear medicine, radiology, and oncology.