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What Types of Cancers Can Proton Therapy Treat?


Proton therapy can be effective in treating lymphoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, throat cancer, thyroid cancer, and various other conditions. Proton therapy is often used to treat both early-stage and advanced cancers due to the minimal side effects of proton radiation and its ability to treat both malignant and benign tumors. The success rate of proton therapy depends on the stage, location of cancer, and other factors.

Explore what conditions can be treated with proton therapy:

Prostate Cancer

Proton therapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer. Most men who have a prostate cancer diagnosis are candidates for proton treatment.

Breast Cancer

Proton therapy can be used to treat breast cancer. In a study, 99% of women with left-sided breast cancer experienced reduced radiation dose to the heart.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers like larynx, sinus, tonsil, and throat cancers can be treated with proton radiation therapy. Head and neck cancer treatments vary with staging and location of the tumor.

Pancreatic and Bile Duct Cancer

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can be treated with proton therapy. Treatment options may vary depending on the stage of cancer.

Lymphoma

Both Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated with proton radiation therapy. Laser-like precision allows radiation oncologists to effectively target cancer cells in the lymphatic system.

Lung Cancer

Both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with proton therapy. Radiation therapy is a viable treatment option for patients with other lung and heart diseases.

Throat Cancer

Radiation oncologists often treat throat cancer with proton therapy due to its challenging location. Other head and neck cancer can also be treated with proton therapy.

Thyroid Cancer

Various kinds of thyroid cancer can be treated with proton therapy. Proton therapy is one of the best treatments for thyroid cancer as it can help reduce radiation to surrounding healthy tissues.

Testicular Cancer

Often after surgery, proton therapy is a recommended treatment option for treating testicular cancer. The amount and duration of treatment sessions varies by patient.

Esophageal Cancer

Proton therapy is a treatment available for esophageal cancer. Studies show that radiation doses to the heart are significantly less with proton beam therapy than x-ray radiation.

Stomach Cancer

Due to precise radiation technology, there are several benefits of proton therapy for stomach cancer. Gastrointestinal cancers can be treated more precisely and with fewer side effects.

Sarcoma

Sarcoma can respond to proton therapy radiation treatment. Some sarcomas that can be treated with proton therapy include: bone, chrondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma.

Bladder Cancer

The 3 main types of bladder cancer (urothelial, squamous cell, and adenocarcinoma) can be treated with proton therapy. Reduced radiation to healthy tissues and fast treatment time are some benefits of proton therapy for bladder cancer.

Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer can be caused by tobacco use, alcohol use, HPV, and other factors. Proton therapy is an option for those diagnosed with mouth cancer.

Liver Cancer

A liver cancer diagnosis can be treated with proton therapy. Proton therapy is used for tumor control and may be advised depending on the stage of liver cancer.

Tongue Cancer

Following surgery, proton therapy may be the best treatment for tongue cancer. Due to its challenging location, proton radiation therapy is used to prevent damage to surrounding areas.

Anal Cancer

The most common cause of anal cancer is HPV. Anal cancer can be treated with proton therapy to reduce treatment side effects.

Brain and Spine Cancer

Brain and spine cancer, including both malignant and benign tumors, can be treated with proton therapy. Studies show that CNS cancers treated with proton therapy have a 50% decrease in the risk of radiation-associated secondary tumors.

Rectal Cancer

Treatment options for rectal cancer depend on the stage. Proton therapy for rectal cancer is usually given prior to or following surgery.

Nasal Cancer

Treating nasal cancer can be done with proton therapy. Proton therapy for nasal cancer is often selected over regular radiation therapy due to its precise targeting.

Pediatric Cancer

Common childhood cancers are lymphoma, leukemia, and medulloblastoma. Proton therapy is a good option for pediatric cancer due to its highly-controlled doses.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Proton therapy for gastrointestinal cancer is often considered a better alternative to radiation therapy because of its ability to attack tumors layer by layer. Proton therapy can be used to treat various types of gastrointestinal cancer including: colon cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer, and stomach cancer.

Recurrent and Secondary Cancer

Proton therapy is an option for recurrent and secondary cancer treatment. By directly targeting the tumor with pencil beam scanning technology, proton therapy protects healthy organs and tissues surrounding the secondary tumor.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can be treated with proton therapy radiation. Treatment lengths for colon cancer vary depending on the patient.