Proton Therapy For Breast Cancer
Fight Breast Cancer with Unmatched Precision
California Protons’ intensity-modulated pencil beam scanning technology is a highly precise form of cancer radiation treatment that enables our doctors to selectively target the breast with high-dose radiation within this intricate area.
Compared with older passive-scattering proton therapy treatment for breast cancer, our pencil beam scanning technology precisely delivers proton radiation treatment for breast cancer within 2 millimeters and with the utmost care. We attack tumors layer by layer and minimize harmful exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and organs. This is important for breast cancer patients who may face the risk of secondary cancers, lung injuries and major cardiac events later in life due to previous radiation exposure. The reduction of radiation-related toxicity also increases the likelihood that patients can complete treatment with fewer interruptions or delays.
What Is Proton Therapy For Breast Cancer?
Proton therapy for breast cancer is an advanced form of radiation treatment that uses protons, rather than X-rays, to precisely target cancerous cells. This precision allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the breast tissue while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and vital organs like the heart and lungs, which is particularly beneficial for breast cancer patients.
The Benefits of Proton Beam Therapy For Breast Cancer
Proton beam therapy for breast cancer offers significant advantages for breast cancer treatment, including:
- Reduced radiation exposure to healthy tissues
- Lower risk of long-term side effects, such as heart damage and secondary cancers
- The ability to treat complex tumor shapes more effectively
Its precision allows for targeted treatment, leading to potentially better outcomes and an improved quality of life during and after treatment.
Why Choose California Protons For Proton Therapy?
California Protons offers cutting-edge intensity-modulated pencil beam scanning technology, providing an exceptionally precise and tailored approach to breast cancer treatment. Our advanced technology minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissues, protecting vital organs and reducing the risk of long-term side effects. We prioritize patient well-being, aiming to reduce treatment interruptions and improve overall quality of life.
Breast Cancer Proton Therapy
Treatment Details
What We Treat
- Early stage breast cancer
- Locally advanced breast cancer (Stage II and III)
- Ductal carcinoma in-situ
- Triple-negative and triple-positive breast cancer
- Recurrent breast cancer
What We Do
- Protect your heart, lungs and spinal cord
- Maintain your quality of life during breast cancer treatment
- Reduce side effects of radiation therapy, including risk of cardiac events, lung cancer and pneumonitis
- Lower the risk of secondary cancer due to radiation
A test of treatment plans for women with left-sided breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving therapy found that compared to X-ray radiation, proton therapy resulted in:
Reduced radiation dose to the lung1
Reduced radiation to the other breast1
Reduced radiation dose to the heart1
Proton Therapy Vs. X-Ray Radiation Therapy For Breast Cancer
Traditional radiation therapy uses X-rays, which deposit energy along their entire path, potentially exposing healthy tissues and organs to radiation. Proton therapy, on the other hand, utilizes protons which can be precisely controlled to release their maximum energy (Bragg peak) directly within the breast tissue, significantly reducing the dose to surrounding healthy tissue. This targeted approach minimizes side effects and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer
- Our breast cancer treatment center’s pencil beam scanning technology precisely controls protons to place the Bragg peak—the point at which they deposit their maximum energy—directly in the targeted tissue, avoiding surrounding healthy tissues.
- Advanced proton therapy allows doctors to more selectively deliver high-dose radiation to cancerous breast tissues, and reduce the dose to surrounding healthy tissues and critical organs.
- Studies have found that proton therapy for breast cancer provides better coverage of the lymph nodes, while substantially reducing average radiation doses to the heart and lungs. This ultimately results in a reduced risk of cardiac events, lung cancer and pneumonitis.
- Partial breast irradiation (PBI) with proton therapy provides a more even distribution of radiation and reduces exposure to healthy breast tissue, heart and lungs compared with photon and X-ray PBI techniques. It has also been associated with reduced toxicity and many excellent outcomes.
Breast Cancer Stages
& Proton Therapy
Depending on the stage of breast cancer, combined treatments of mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery, chemotherapy and radiation may be needed for some breast cancers. Treatment options also are affected by the type of breast cancer, age, overall health and personal preferences.
At stage I, breast cancer is relatively small at this stage and has not spread to the lymph nodes at all, or has spread to only a very small area in the sentinel lymph node. While surgery is the most common treatment, radiation therapy for stage I breast cancer is often recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning.
Breast cancers at stage II are larger than stage I cancers and/or have spread to a few lymph nodes. While surgery is the most common treatment for stage II breast cancer, radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning.
Tumors at stage III are larger than 5 cm, or the cancer is growing into nearby skin or muscle tissue or has spread to many nearby lymph nodes. While surgery is the most common treatment for stage III breast cancer, radiation therapy is often recommended after breast cancer surgery to reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning.
At stage IV, breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. Drug therapy such as chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy are the main treatments recommended for women with stage IV breast cancer. At this stage, proton radiation treatment may be used to shrink tumors or control pain.
Treatment for
Recurrent Breast Cancer
Proton therapy is often the best way to treat recurrent tumors in areas that have previously been treated with radiation therapy.
Treating previously irradiated areas can be challenging. The healthy tissues around the recurrent tumor do not fully “forget” the previous radiation dose, and any added dose continues to increase the risk of normal tissue injury. Proton beam therapy may enable doctors to better concentrate the dose to the target and limit it elsewhere, allowing re-treatment with radiation in select patients.
What To Expect From Proton Therapy For Breast Cancer
During proton therapy for breast cancer, patients will undergo a personalized treatment planning process, which includes imaging and dosimetry to precisely map the area to be treated. Treatments are non-invasive and typically last only a few minutes per session, with patients lying comfortably on a treatment couch. The entire course of treatment can span several weeks, depending on the individual’s treatment plan. Our team will guide you through each step, ensuring comfort and clear communication.
Breast Cancer Treatment Outcomes & Long-Term Effects
Proton therapy treatment for breast cancer at California Protons Cancer Therapy Center in San Diego may offer similar outcomes to standard X-ray radiation, while reducing long-term and potentially life-threatening side effects such as heart attacks due to radiation damage to the heart. It also offers the possibility of lower chances for secondary cancers later in life due to the reduced radiation exposure to your surrounding healthy tissues and organs.
However, all cancer treatments have advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to discuss all of the potential risks, as well as treatment options, with your oncologist.
Contact California Protons Therapy Center Today
Ready to explore if proton therapy is the right breast cancer treatment for you? Our compassionate and experienced team at California Protons Cancer Therapy Center is here to guide you every step of the way. We understand that navigating cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and we’re committed to providing you with the information and support you need. Contact us today.
