Cancers Treated
Cancers Treated
What Cancers are Treatable with Proton Technology?
Research shows that proton therapy can improve your quality of life in the treatment of these and other cancers.
Proton therapy is a proven treatment option for a wide range of cancers and is particularly effective for treating irregularly shaped tumors, hard-to-reach tumors, tumors near vital organs and critical structures, and localized tumors that have not spread to other areas.
Proton therapy has unique benefits related to each cancer type. Please select from the list below to view these benefits as well as the latest research on using proton therapy for your cancer type.
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Bladder Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Bladder Cancer
- Reduces exposure to the rectum, pelvic bones, and bowels
- Reduces risk of urinary incontinence, having an artificial bladder, and broken hip bones
Research on Proton for Bladder Cancer
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology: Proton Beam Therapy for Invasive Bladder Cancer
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Brain Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Brain Cancer
- Reduces risk of developing debilitating headaches and seizures
- Maintains executive function, memory, and quality of life
Research on Proton for Brain Tumors
- Journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology: Brain Tumor Spot Scanning with Proton Beam Therapy
- Journal of Neurosurgery: Proton Radiosurgery in Neurosurgery
- Fox News: Precision Brain Tumor Treatment for First-time mom with Proton Therapy
- Adult CNS Radiation Oncology: Proton Therapy for Brain Tumor Treatments
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Breast Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer
- Spares the contralateral breast, lungs, and heart from radiation
- Reduces risk of future heart disease, heart attack, and chronic pulmonary disease, especially for left-sided breast cancer
- May provide better dose coverage to the lymph regions
Research on Proton for Breast Cancer
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics: Cosmetic Effects of Proton Therapy and Breast Cancer Outcomes
- New England Journal of Medicine: Proton Therapy Spares Heart in Breast Cancer Treatment
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Colorectal Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Colorectal Cancer
- Decreases radiation to healthy tissues and organs
- Reduces risk of debilitating side effects often experienced with traditional treatment plans
Research on Proton for Colorectal Cancer
- University of Cincinnati: Clinical Trial Looks at Proton Therapy for Anal Cancer Treatment
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Eye Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Eye Cancer
- Avoids surgical complications of tumor removal and the long hospital stay needed for radioactive seed implantation
- Reduces risk of loss of vision and potential loss of the eye
Research on Proton for Eye Cancer
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology: Proton Therapy for Treating Eye Cancer (Uveal Metastases)
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Head and Neck Cancers
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers
- Gives higher 5-year disease-free survival rate for head and neck cancers than other treatments
- Reduces radiation exposure to the spinal cord, brainstem, optic nerve, chiasm, temporal lobes, and parotid glands
- Poses less risk of needing a feeding tube than for those undergoing chemotherapy or conventional radiation
Research on Proton for Head and Neck Cancers
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: Proton Therapy Benefits Head and Neck Cancer Patients
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center’s Online Magazine: Proton Therapy Provides Advantage for Head and Neck Patients
- Otolaryngol Clinics of North America: Benefits of Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
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Liver Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Liver Cancer
- Reduces exposure to the heart and kidneys
- Decreases risk of liver transplant
- Preserves liver function and reduces risk of secondary cancers
Research on Proton for Liver Cancer
- Official Journal of the International College of Surgeons: Proton Beam Therapy Effectiveness with Liver Cancer
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Lung Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer
- Spares heart, esophagus, and spinal cord from radiation, as well as healthy lung tissue
- Has higher efficacy and lower toxicity for some lung cancer patients
Research on Proton for Lung Cancer
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology: Proton Beam Therapy Survival for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: Proton Therapy for Most Common Lung Cancer
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Lymphoma
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Lymphoma
- Reduces risk of long-term side effects and secondary malignancies, including breast cancer or heart disease
- Significantly reduces the body dose of radiation
Research on Proton for Lymphoma
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology: Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment with Proton Therapy
- University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute: Proton Therapy Reduces Side Effects in Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment
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Pancreatic Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
- Spares the liver, kidneys, and digestive system from radiation
- Reduces risk of liver and kidney failure and potentially fatal weight loss caused by radiation exposure to the small intestine
Research on Proton for Pancreatic Cancer
- University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute: Proton Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology: Proton Re-Irradiation for Locally Recurrent Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
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Prostate Cancer
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer
- Maintains sexual function and urinary continence
- Reduces risk of gastrointestinal side effects
Research on Proton for Prostate Cancer
- Cancer, ACS Journals: Proton Therapy Treatment for Prostate in Men 60 and Younger
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology: Prostate Cancer Outcomes with Proton Therapy
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Sarcomas
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Sarcomas
- Reduces risk of pain, swelling, and/or weakness in the part of the body being treated
- Lowers risk of broken bones and chance of second excisional surgery in the future
Research on Proton for Sarcomas
- Journal of Surgical Oncology: Long Term Results Treating Sarcomas with High-Dose Proton Therapy vs. High-dose photon therapy