The Benefits of Proton Therapy
At KCPI, we perform a specialized type of radiation called proton therapy. Because proton therapy is a newer form of radiation, we realize our patients may have questions regarding what it is and how it differs from traditional X-ray radiation. Proton therapy offers some advantages over X-ray therapy and has emerged as a beneficial option for patients fighting cancer. Here are some of the benefits of proton therapy.
The Biggest Difference with Proton Therapy Is Precision
Unlike conventional X-ray radiation, which uses photons, proton therapy uses protons – charged particles that can be precisely controlled to target tumors with remarkable accuracy. This precision offers a range of benefits that make proton therapy an increasingly preferred choice for both adult and pediatric cancer patients:
Reduced Risk of Damage to Surrounding Healthy Tissues
One of the most significant advantages of proton therapy is its ability to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. In traditional radiation therapy, X-rays pass through the body, potentially affecting both cancerous and healthy cells along their path. This can lead to unintended damage to vital organs and tissues near the tumor site. Proton therapy, however, uses a principle called the Bragg peak, which allows protons to deposit the majority of their energy directly at the tumor site. After reaching the tumor, the protons stop, significantly reducing the exposure of healthy tissues to radiation. This precision is particularly beneficial when treating tumors located near critical structures such as the brain, spine, or heart.
Fewer Side Effects
The precision of proton therapy translates into fewer side effects for patients. Because less healthy tissue is exposed to radiation, patients often experience less severe acute side effects, such as fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea, compared to those undergoing conventional radiation therapy. Additionally, the long-term side effects, which can include damage to organs, nerve damage, and cognitive impairments, are also reduced. This is especially crucial for pediatric patients, whose developing bodies are more susceptible to the adverse effects of radiation. By minimizing these risks, proton therapy allows for better overall outcomes and quality of life during and after treatment.
Effective Results in Adults and Children
Proton therapy has proven to be highly effective in treating a variety of cancers in both adults and children. It is particularly useful for treating tumors that are difficult to reach or located near sensitive areas. For example, brain tumors, head and neck cancers, and spinal tumors are often treated with proton therapy due to its ability to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing adjacent critical structures. In pediatric oncology, proton therapy is especially valuable because it reduces the risk of developmental and growth issues that can result from radiation exposure.
Reduced Likelihood of Secondary Tumors
A concerning risk associated with conventional radiation therapy is the potential for secondary tumors to develop years after treatment. This occurs when the radiation used to destroy the primary tumor inadvertently damages healthy cells, leading to mutations that can result in new cancers. Proton therapy, with its precise targeting, significantly reduces the radiation dose delivered to healthy tissues, thereby lowering the risk of secondary tumors. This benefit is particularly important for younger patients who have a longer life expectancy and are more vulnerable to the long-term risks of radiation.
Ability to Treat Recurrent Tumors
Proton therapy offers a unique advantage in treating recurrent tumors, even in patients who have previously received radiation. Traditional radiation therapy is often limited in its ability to re-treat areas that have already been exposed to radiation due to the risk of excessive damage to normal tissues. Proton therapy, however, can precisely target the recurrent tumor while minimizing additional exposure to surrounding tissues. This capability makes proton therapy an important option for patients who experience a recurrence of their cancer and need further treatment.
Improved Quality of Life During and After Treatment
Overall, the benefits of proton therapy contribute to an improved quality of life for patients during and after treatment. The reduced side effects mean that patients can maintain a better level of physical and emotional well-being throughout their treatment journey. Moreover, the lower risk of long-term complications allows survivors to enjoy a higher quality of life in the years following their treatment. For pediatric patients, this is particularly crucial, as it allows them to grow and develop without the burden of radiation-related side effects that can affect their future health and well-being.
Proton Therapy Is the Cancer Care of the Future
Proton therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering precise targeting of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Its benefits, including fewer side effects, effectiveness in both adults and children and the reduced likelihood of secondary tumors, make it an increasingly important option in oncology. As technology continues to advance and more proton therapy centers become available, this treatment has the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for countless cancer patients worldwide.
KCPI Brings Office-Based Proton Therapy to KC
At Kansas City Proton Institute, we are the only non-hospital-based proton therapy facility in the central U.S. This allows us to provide a few benefits that hospital-based facilities can’t. When you consider the advantages of convenience, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness, office-based proton therapy is an attractive choice for many. “KCPI is committed to providing the most advanced form of radiation therapy in an outpatient facility making proton therapy accessible for all patients,” said Dr. James Coster, radiation oncologist for Kansas City Proton Institute.
Kansas Citians Are Very Fortunate
While many people in the country have to travel to receive proton therapy, Kansas Citians are lucky. Not only do they have a proton therapy center nearby, they have a choice of proton therapy centers – hospital-based and office-based. We are proud to be bringing proton therapy to the masses and helping more individuals in need. Being able to offer proton therapy at a lower price is just the icing on the cake.
KCPI Will Continue to Be at the Forefront of Proton Therapy
KCPI is a member of the Proton Collaborative Group, an organization comprised of many of the nation’s leading academic medical centers with proton capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, KCPI will be at the forefront of understanding and implementing advancements in proton therapy. Ongoing innovations aim to improve accessibility and enhance the overall patient experience.
